HARARE - Shepherd Maisiri, father to “murdered” schoolboy Christpower, could soon be a legislator for the Headlands Constituency if he manages to beat internal political rivalry and face off with his long-time opponent from Zanu PF in general elections set for this year.

After losing his son in an inexplicable inferno which the MDC attributes to Zanu PF shenanigans — Maisiri is in line to stand against Didymus Mutasa, the incumbent legislator for Headlands.

MDC spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora told the Daily News that Maisiri has approached the party for approval to stand as a candidate during the primary elections in Headlands constituency.

“I can confirm that Maisiri is going to stand as the party’s candidate during the primary elections,” said Mwonzora.

The open declaration of allegiance to the MDC by Maisiri flies in the face of Zanu PF officials, including Mutasa, who at some point after the chilling death of Christpower claimed Shepherd was a bona fide Zanu PF loyalist.

Mwonzora said the party was “encouraged” by the resilience shown by the Maisiri family.

“We promise that if he succeeds in the primaries, the party is going to support him with everything he needs to fight the evil system in the area,” Mwonzora said.

The MDC claims Zanu PF militants petrol-bombed the hut in which Christpower was sleeping.

But Zanu PF says Maisiri and the MDC are trying to use an innocent death to gain political mileage. Police said investigations showed that no foul play was suspected. - Bryn Gumbo