By Political Reporter-An aide to Goodwills Masimirembwa, the Zanu PF Harare Provincial Chairperson and a staunch ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has died following a brutal petrol bomb attack that took place amid mounting tensions within Zanu PF.

The incident occurred last month just days before the recent Zanu PF conference in Bulawayo, where Vice President Constantino Chiwenga emerged victorious, further intensifying factional battles within the party.

The aide, identified as Tyson Mashoko, 31, suffered critical burns when the offices of the Zimbabwe Institute of Legal Studies—owned by Masimirembwa—were petrol-bombed by a suspected pro-Chiwenga faction.

The violent act, reportedly carried out by an eight-man gang travelling in a three-vehicle convoy, also caused severe property damage.

This attack follows a separate petrol bombing of Masimirembwa’s business offices, allegedly by the same group.

Mashoko was hospitalized with extensive injuries but succumbed to them earlier this week.

Masimirembwa, a prominent figure in Zanu PF’s Harare structures, opted not to reveal Mashoko’s identity initially, citing concerns for his safety while the attackers remain at large.

He described the bombing as a coordinated and calculated act, saying, “The explosion caused extensive damage, shattered windows, and ignited several parts of the building.

The fire was eventually contained but not before significant destruction.”

The timing of the attack underscores the deepening power struggle between Mnangagwa’s allies and Chiwenga’s supporters, a divide that has widened since the 2017 coup that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe.

Each faction is vying for influence as the party contemplates its future leadership, with Chiwenga’s faction allegedly accusing Mnangagwa’s camp of attempting to obstruct Chiwenga’s path to a presidential bid in 2028.

This recent episode of violence has fueled anxiety within Zanu PF, as members fear escalating internal conflicts could destabilize the party ahead of upcoming elections