Independent legislator Temba Mliswa has launched sustained attacks against Vice President Constantino Chiwenga following a confrontation in September during a Politburo meeting. Chiwenga had accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of enabling corruption cartels and demanded arrests of businessmen connected to inflated government tenders worth billions. Mliswa subsequently defended Mnangagwa on social media while criticizing Chiwenga for publicly challenging the president instead of raising concerns privately.
Critics note Mliswa previously praised Chiwenga for opposing corruption, but now argues Mnangagwa could dismiss the vice president at will. Observers point to Chiwenga's role in orchestrating the 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power after arranging his medical evacuation and leading military operations against Robert Mugabe. Political analysts warn that Mliswa risks consequences for defending an administration widely criticized for corruption and economic mismanagement, which has intensified public hardship.
Critics note Mliswa previously praised Chiwenga for opposing corruption, but now argues Mnangagwa could dismiss the vice president at will. Observers point to Chiwenga's role in orchestrating the 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power after arranging his medical evacuation and leading military operations against Robert Mugabe. Political analysts warn that Mliswa risks consequences for defending an administration widely criticized for corruption and economic mismanagement, which has intensified public hardship.
