Vice President Constantino Chiwenga confronted Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Owen Ncube at Mutapa Community Hall in Gweru last Wednesday. During the Independence Day flame handover ceremony, Chiwenga stopped when greeting Ncube and said, "You are hunting for me. What will happen when the hunter becomes the hunted?" The minister responded with just a forced smile as officials watched the tense exchange.
The incident highlights growing divisions in Zanu-PF over plans to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule beyond 2028. Party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa told DugUp that Mnangagwa opposes Chiwenga as his successor. Supporters of the president have started undermining Chiwenga's military connections, recently reassigning his ally Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe from the army to lead the Sports Ministry.
Mnangagwa loyalists want to replace Chiwenga with businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who received backing from Zanu-PF Harare Province for a Central Committee position. Some party insiders fear that Chiwenga might target corruption if he takes power. The vice president has increased his anti-corruption statements but avoids joining chants supporting the 2030 agenda for extending Mnangagwa's term.
War veterans have put increased pressure on Mnangagwa, with some calling for his removal. The relationship between the president and Chiwenga, who led the 2017 coup against Robert Mugabe, appears to be breaking down. Party insiders warn this power struggle could reshape Zimbabwe's political future.
The incident highlights growing divisions in Zanu-PF over plans to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule beyond 2028. Party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa told DugUp that Mnangagwa opposes Chiwenga as his successor. Supporters of the president have started undermining Chiwenga's military connections, recently reassigning his ally Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe from the army to lead the Sports Ministry.
Mnangagwa loyalists want to replace Chiwenga with businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who received backing from Zanu-PF Harare Province for a Central Committee position. Some party insiders fear that Chiwenga might target corruption if he takes power. The vice president has increased his anti-corruption statements but avoids joining chants supporting the 2030 agenda for extending Mnangagwa's term.
War veterans have put increased pressure on Mnangagwa, with some calling for his removal. The relationship between the president and Chiwenga, who led the 2017 coup against Robert Mugabe, appears to be breaking down. Party insiders warn this power struggle could reshape Zimbabwe's political future.
