By Political Reporter- President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly sidelining Vice President Constantino Chiwenga from government and private events, fearing a possible poisoning as tensions between the two escalate to dangerous levels, insiders reveal.

Speculation of a coup has intensified following a helicopter crash last month at Masvingo Airport, meant to transport Mnangagwa.

The crash, which occurred just after takeoff, has fueled suspicion within the president’s camp. 

Although Mnangagwa was not on board, sources say the incident has become a central issue in high-level government meetings, where the president has openly questioned Chiwenga’s knowledge of the event.

“Mnangagwa believes Chiwenga knows more than he’s letting on, despite the VP being in Bulawayo during the crash,” said a source close to the presidency.

Adding to the strain, Chiwenga’s absence from Mnangagwa’s recent birthday celebrations at Great Zimbabwe Monuments—where the president launched ‘Munhumutapa Day,’ seen as a symbolic move to solidify his rule beyond 2028—further deepened mistrust. 

Chiwenga attended an event in Bulawayo instead, which Mnangagwa viewed as a deliberate snub.

Mnangagwa’s push to extend his rule until 2030 has set him at odds with Chiwenga, once a key ally, but now his primary rival. 

Military loyalties appear to be shifting, as senior commanders skipped Mnangagwa’s birthday and chose to attend Chiwenga’s Bulawayo event instead.

Mnangagwa, increasingly paranoid after a string of incidents, including the 2018 Bulawayo bombing and a 2021 helicopter crash, has avoided flying without Chiwenga present, further fueling fears of a showdown between the two powerful leaders.