By Farai D Hove | ZimEye | Goodwills Masimirembwa, the Zanu PF Harare provincial chairperson, made a bold and suspicious appearance in Hatcliffe on Thursday, donning an eye-catching coat covered with repeated portraits of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, just as police officially denied reports of his alleged arrest. The coat, adorned with a dizzying array of Mnangagwa’s images, has ignited debate over whether Masimirembwa’s overt display of loyalty signals something deeper within the party’s ranks.

Masimirembwa’s attire, with its vibrant yellow and green Zanu PF colors and Mnangagwa’s face emblazoned across multiple patches, raised questions about the intensifying political theater. Critics have pointed out that his extreme sartorial choice seems to reflect an exaggerated allegiance, or perhaps an effort to reaffirm his political standing amidst swirling rumors about his legal troubles.

This public appearance came on the heels of reports that Masimirembwa had been arrested in connection with an undisclosed case. However, Masimirembwa quickly moved to dismiss the allegations. “I have not been arrested, and I was never called by the police anywhere. These are all lies,” he told party members at the meeting, denying any involvement with the police or the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).

The police, for their part, have backed up his statement. “He (Cde Masimirembwa) was not arrested, and we don’t have such a report,” said police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, flatly rejecting claims of an arrest. The denial from the authorities, however, did little to quell the public’s curiosity, especially given the suspicious context of Masimirembwa’s flamboyant Mnangagwa-themed attire.

The excessive use of the title “Cde” (Comrade) in state-controlled media, particularly in *The Herald*, has also sparked suspicions. Some observers believe this could be part of an orchestrated effort to re-emphasize Masimirembwa’s loyalty to the party leadership, while also distancing him from any accusations.

Though Masimirembwa’s arrest may have been denied, the questions surrounding his peculiar appearance and the rumors that continue to circulate highlight the complex and often performative nature of Zanu PF’s internal politics. As Masimirembwa draped himself in the image of Mnangagwa, his over-the-top display of loyalty has left many wondering whether it was simply a coincidence — or a calculated move in response to whispers of trouble brewing behind the scenes.