The Shadows of Power: Unravelling the Dark Legacy of Zimbabwe’s Generals
By Bradshaw Muzanenhamo | The death of General Trust Mugoba marked the beginning of a chilling wave of eliminations targeting high-ranking officials in Zimbabwe. Since the 2017 coup, over 24 generals have died, and the trend is likely to continue following another attempt on the life of former Air Force Commander Elson Moyo last week. Reports indicate that Air Marshal Moyo narrowly escaped death after his vehicle was involved in an accident near Chegutu while returning from the farm.
As the battle for the next ZANU PF leader intensifies, and considering the military’s influence on ZANU PF leadership since the Mgagao declaration, the deaths of these generals are far from coincidental. Since the liberation struggle, ZANU PF has struggled with successful leadership transitions, with the army playing a pivotal role in determining outcomes. But who is behind these deaths?
General Trust Mugoba, both respected and feared, was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Official reports cited natural causes, yet whispers of foul play spread through the corridors of power. As the nation mourned, a deeper conspiracy began to emerge. Rumours suggested Mugoba had been targeted due to his rising influence and potential challenge to the status quo.
Shortly thereafter, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, once an ally, became the next victim in this deadly game of shadows. Reports surfaced that he had been poisoned, a silent assassin striking when least expected. Chiwenga’s brush with death sent shockwaves through the military establishment, raising urgent questions: Who stood to gain from his elimination? Was this an internal power struggle or a calculated move by an unseen enemy?
Amidst this turmoil, Elson Moyo, another key figure, suffered a tragic accident. His vehicle collided under suspicious circumstances, leading many to believe it was an attempted assassination disguised as an accident. As the dust settled, the military elite found themselves ensnared in a deadly game where trust was a luxury few could afford.
The nation watched in horror as the generals fell, each death a piece of a larger, more sinister puzzle. General Sibusiso Moyo, General Paradzai Zimondi, and General Reuben Mlauzi were among those who met untimely and suspicious ends, with the question looming: who was orchestrating these eliminations? Was there a single mastermind pulling the strings, or were multiple factions vying for control in a brutal power struggle?
As the investigation deepened, evidence began to point toward a clandestine group within the military, intent on reshaping Zimbabwe’s future. This shadowy cabal was determined to eliminate anyone who posed a threat to their ambitions. With each passing day, the tension escalated, and the stakes grew higher.
The story of power, betrayal, and survival unfolded against the backdrop of a nation yearning for stability. As the public grappled with the unfolding crisis, they were left with pressing questions: What would it take to stop the bloodshed? Who would rise from the ashes of this turmoil, and at what cost?
In a land where loyalty is fleeting and ambition knows no bounds, the tale of the generals serves as a stark reminder of the perils of power. The shadows of the past loom large, and the fight for the future continues—where every alliance is tentative, and every move could be fatal. As the nation holds its breath, one thing is certain: the story is far from over.