A leaked audio recording implicates former Zanu-PF MP Temba Mliswa in allegations that fuel magnate Kudakwashe Tagwirei controls Zimbabwe's military through financial patronage. Businessman Bopela Masiyakurima released the recording on Thursday after declining to participate in a campaign supporting Tagwirei. Mliswa allegedly claims that President Emmerson Mnangagwa positioned Tagwirei as his successor by securing military loyalty through the distribution of vehicles to Zimbabwe Defence Forces personnel.
The recording suggests hundreds of vehicles given to military commanders originated from Tagwirei rather than government sources. Mliswa allegedly states that ZDF commander Gen. Philip Valerio Sibanda shows deference to Tagwirei. Masiyakurima says he rejected offers of cash and vehicles tied to the campaign because of moral objections.
Mliswa responded by accusing Masiyakurima of selective editing. War veteran Blessed Geza previously claimed Mnangagwa and Tagwirei sponsor Mliswa's criticism of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Military officials have not addressed the allegations.
The recording suggests hundreds of vehicles given to military commanders originated from Tagwirei rather than government sources. Mliswa allegedly states that ZDF commander Gen. Philip Valerio Sibanda shows deference to Tagwirei. Masiyakurima says he rejected offers of cash and vehicles tied to the campaign because of moral objections.
Mliswa responded by accusing Masiyakurima of selective editing. War veteran Blessed Geza previously claimed Mnangagwa and Tagwirei sponsor Mliswa's criticism of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Military officials have not addressed the allegations.
