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Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
Independent candidate for the Hurungwe West by-election Temba Mliswa, has been arrested on allegations of defacing campaign posters of his rival and Zanu-PF candidate, Cde Keith Guzah.

Mliswa is also facing charges of assaulting a man who had not yet been identified by the time of going to print.

The former Zanu-PF Mashonaland West chairman, was arrested in Hurungwe yesterday afternoon.

His lawyer Mr Musindo Hungwe confirmed Mliswa’s arrest, adding that details were still sketchy.

“I am advised that Mr Mliswa has been arrested this (yesterday) afternoon on allegations that he defaced some posters and assaulted someone,” said Mr Hungwe.

“Well, of course this (arrest) is no surprise to some of us. This is a political end game that is playing out. I am yet to get the charge sheet.”

Mr Mliswa was by late last night held at Magunje Police station.

He is expected to be transferred to Chinhoyi this morning.

Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Clemence Mabweazara, could not comment on the development, adding that he was waiting for briefings from officers who attended the scene.

“Our officers who have gone to find out the actual position on the ground have not yet briefed me on the correct position,” he said.

Mr Mliswa was arrested last month for disturbing a sanctioned rally at Nyamhunga Primary School in Hurungwe West.

The by-election will be held on June 10.