Vice President Constantino Chiwenga confronted petroleum businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei during a Wednesday Politburo session, alleging financial misconduct worth $3.2 billion. Chiwenga presented evidence claiming Tagwirei extracted funds from Zanu PF through a stake in Sakunda Holdings rather than returning profits to the party. The vice president accused Tagwirei of channeling these resources to buy political loyalty through intermediaries like Wicknell Chivayo and Scott Sakupwanya. Chiwenga demanded immediate arrests of all involved parties while criticizing President Mnangagwa for accepting benefits from this arrangement. State security minister Lovemore Matuke responded by accusing Chiwenga of planning an illegal power grab.
Mnangagwa established an investigation committee led by Obert Mpofu, Oppah Muchinguri, and Patrick Chinamasa to examine the allegations. The president avoided customary pre-meeting consultations with his deputies, signaling growing tensions within party leadership. Mnangagwa addressed concerns about the 2028 elections during his subsequent speech to party members. The confrontation highlights deepening divisions between Chiwenga supporters and Mnangagwa loyalists over presidential succession plans. Both factions remain firmly positioned as the party prepares for its October conference in Mutare.
Mnangagwa established an investigation committee led by Obert Mpofu, Oppah Muchinguri, and Patrick Chinamasa to examine the allegations. The president avoided customary pre-meeting consultations with his deputies, signaling growing tensions within party leadership. Mnangagwa addressed concerns about the 2028 elections during his subsequent speech to party members. The confrontation highlights deepening divisions between Chiwenga supporters and Mnangagwa loyalists over presidential succession plans. Both factions remain firmly positioned as the party prepares for its October conference in Mutare.
