Former legislator Temba Mliswa identified businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as President Emmerson Mnangagwa's likely successor while dismissing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's presidential ambitions in a leaked phone conversation. Mliswa argued on the recording that Mnangagwa would select someone who safeguards his interests rather than Chiwenga, whom he characterized as politically isolated. The former lawmaker claimed Chiwenga receives misleading counsel from his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi, and suggested the vice president overestimates his military influence after retiring from active service.
Mliswa asserted that Tagwirei supplied luxury vehicles to military commanders and that Zimbabwe Defence Forces leader Phillip Valerio Sibanda demonstrated allegiance to the Mnangagwa faction. Businessman Agrippa Masiyakurima recorded the conversation without Mliswa's knowledge. Analysts note Baloyi has increased public appearances as the administration faces corruption allegations, but Mliswa maintained that Chiwenga lacks operational authority over the armed forces.
Mliswa asserted that Tagwirei supplied luxury vehicles to military commanders and that Zimbabwe Defence Forces leader Phillip Valerio Sibanda demonstrated allegiance to the Mnangagwa faction. Businessman Agrippa Masiyakurima recorded the conversation without Mliswa's knowledge. Analysts note Baloyi has increased public appearances as the administration faces corruption allegations, but Mliswa maintained that Chiwenga lacks operational authority over the armed forces.
