By Political Reporter- The power struggle between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, has reached a dangerous and unpredictable level, with insiders revealing rising tensions and deep mutual suspicions between the two leaders.
Speculation is rife that Chiwenga may be plotting a coup, especially in the aftermath of a helicopter crash that has left Mnangagwa increasingly paranoid about his safety.
The feud intensified following last month’s Masvingo Airport helicopter accident, which occurred as a presidential chopper was set to transport Mnangagwa back to Harare.
The helicopter crashed upon takeoff, sparking immediate concern among Mnangagwa’s inner circle.
The President was supposed to be on the flight, and his absence from the chopper has only fueled speculation about the incident.
Sources close to the presidency say the crash has become a focal point in high-level government and Zanu PF meetings, where Mnangagwa has openly expressed suspicions about Chiwenga’s involvement or, at the very least, his awareness of the event.
“The issue of the helicopter crash has played out big in government and ruling party meetings,” one insider revealed. “Mnangagwa believes Chiwenga knows more than he’s letting on, despite the Vice President being in Bulawayo at the time of the incident.”
Further heightening tensions is Chiwenga’s conspicuous absence from Mnangagwa’s birthday celebrations at the Great Zimbabwe Monuments in Masvingo, where the President launched ‘Munhumutapa Day,’ an event viewed as a symbolic coronation of his intended rule beyond 2028.
Mnangagwa’s ambition to extend his rule until 2030 has put him in direct conflict with Chiwenga’s military-backed faction within Zanu PF.
Chiwenga, who has been seen as a key player in Mnangagwa’s rise to power, is now viewed as the President’s primary rival.
“Mnangagwa is furious that Chiwenga skipped his birthday, attending instead what he saw as an insignificant event in Bulawayo,” said a source. “Chiwenga claims he wasn’t invited, but Mnangagwa points out that the Vice President often attends functions uninvited. This has only deepened the mistrust.”
The choice of venue for Mnangagwa’s birthday—Great Zimbabwe—has also added a spiritual and cultural dimension to the rivalry.
Chiwenga reportedly believes the sacred site should not be used for personal celebrations like birthdays, a stance that has further alienated him from Mnangagwa.
“To Chiwenga, Great Zimbabwe is a holy place, and using it for political posturing was a step too far,” added another insider. “The spiritual significance of the site cannot be underestimated in Zimbabwean politics, where religion and power often intersect.”
The situation is further complicated by the visible loyalties of the military.
Senior commanders, many of whom attended Chiwenga’s Bulawayo event, were notably absent from Mnangagwa’s birthday celebrations, signaling a potential shift in military support.
In the wake of the helicopter crash, Mnangagwa has become increasingly cautious, refusing to fly without Chiwenga present.
Both leaders are reportedly avoiding flying together, exacerbating fears of a looming showdown.
The President’s recent decision to skip the United Nations General Assembly in New York has been attributed to his growing paranoia, stemming from a series of suspicious incidents, including the 2018 Bulawayo bombing, the 2021 presidential helicopter crash near Norton, and the Victoria Falls bomb scare in March.