By Farai D Hove | In a startling development during a ZANU PF National Executive meeting, Shepherd Marime, the ZANU PF chairperson for Mashonaland West (Hurungwe), issued a bizarre threat involving the use of crocodile milk against Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his supporters. The remarks were part of a controversial prayer transcribed by ZimEye.
Marime declared his unwavering support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, expressing his belief that the leader would remain in power until 2030 and beyond. However, he also took aim at those within the ruling party harboring ambitions to take over leadership, suggesting divine intervention to thwart their plans.
“I pray for the leader of the country. I know that in 2030 he will still be there; he will be ruling. Those who have ambitions, we pray for them that they have their chance after 2030,” Marime said.
In an unusual twist, he invoked the imagery of crocodile milk—a substance both metaphorical and mythical—to counter what he described as “evil spirits,” presumably referring to factions within the party aligned with Chiwenga.
“Those who send evil spirits, and spirits of hindrance, and dirty spirits, we sprinkle them with crocodile milk. We know that milking a crocodile is not easy, but we pray that on this chance, we shall sprinkle them with crocodile milk until the evil spirits have been cast out,” Marime proclaimed, ending his statement with a resounding “amen.”
The speech has sparked widespread debate and ridicule online, with many questioning the origins and feasibility of “crocodile milk” while others see it as an extension of the growing tensions within ZANU PF.
Internal Power Struggles Intensify
The remarks come amid increasing speculation about factionalism in the ruling party, with reports of a power struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga’s camps. While Marime did not mention the Vice President by name, his comments appear to target Chiwenga’s allies, suggesting an intensifying rivalry as the 2028 elections approach.
Political analysts have interpreted Marime’s prayer as a veiled threat and a reflection of the deepening divisions within ZANU PF. “The reference to crocodile milk, though symbolic, underscores the lengths to which loyalists are willing to go to defend Mnangagwa’s grip on power,” said one analyst.
Public Reaction
The bizarre nature of Marime’s statements has drawn sharp criticism and mockery from opposition members and civil society. Many have taken to social media to express disbelief and humor at the suggestion of crocodile milk as a political weapon.
“This is where we are as a country—leaders talking about milking crocodiles instead of addressing real issues,” said critic, Johanne Sibanda.
As tensions within ZANU PF continue to simmer, all eyes remain on how the party leadership will respond to this public display of loyalty—and the underlying message it carries.