By Staff Reporter
Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga clashed with the CIO boss last week in a confrontation that has exposed widening divisions within Zanu PF ahead of its annual conference.
According to party insiders, Chiwenga confronted Mnangagwa at State House on 17 September, presenting a dossier alleging large-scale corruption involving businessmen linked to the President. He accused the group—commonly referred to as the “Zviganandas,” including Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivayo, Pedzisayi “Scott” Sakupwanya and Delish Nguwaya—of siphoning billions of dollars through state contracts while funding efforts to extend Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2028.
Mnangagwa dismissed the allegations, insisting he had no intention of overstaying his term and defending his associates. The exchange reportedly ended with the President leaving abruptly for Zanu PF headquarters, where he convened an emergency politburo meeting.
During the meeting, Mnangagwa presented Chiwenga’s dossier himself and challenged colleagues to question his leadership.
Chiwenga responded with a forceful speech, demanding the arrest of Tagwirei, Chivayo and others, and warning that corruption was undermining both the state and the party.
When Central Intelligence Organisation Minister Lovemore Matuke attempted to defend the President, Chiwenga sharply rebuked him, drawing parallels with the 1974 Nhari Rebellion as a caution against factionalism.
In the days that followed, Mnangagwa reshuffled the politburo, moves widely interpreted as an effort to weaken Chiwenga’s allies. Obert Mpofu was demoted, Patrick Chinamasa reassigned as Treasurer-General, Jacob Mudenda elevated to secretary-general, and Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi appointed head of Legal Affairs.
Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa also publicly defended Tagwirei, dismissing Chiwenga as “no superhero.” Despite this, the Vice-President has continued to denounce what he described as “gluttony” among Mnangagwa’s associates.
The confrontation has heightened uncertainty within Zanu PF, with some insiders drawing comparisons to the 2017 military intervention that forced Robert Mugabe from power. This time, however, the divisions appear to pit the ruling party’s top two leaders directly against each other.
