By Munacho Gwamanda- A string of funerals for key Zanu PF figures and a senior army general have marred Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s return from annual leave as acting President, seeing him oversee burials other than other developmental issues.
Today Chiwenga will preside over the burials of Major General (Retired) Solomon Siziba, Chen Chimutengwende, and John Shumba Mvundura at the National Heroes’ Acre, all of which died while he was on leave.
The trio has been declared national heroes, yet their deaths underscore a troubling pattern for Chiwenga.
Over 20 high-ranking military officials and political allies linked to Chiwenga’s camp have died under mysterious circumstances since the 2017 coup that ousted President Robert Mugabe.
Notable among them are Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo, Agriculture Minister Perence Shiri, and other top military figures, all of whom were instrumental in the coup.
These deaths have raised questions about a potential systematic purge within Zanu PF, allegedly orchestrated to weaken Chiwenga’s power base and consolidate President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s control.
Political insiders claim that Mnangagwa and Chiwenga struck an agreement in 2017, promising Mnangagwa two terms before handing over power to Chiwenga.
However, Mnangagwa’s recent constitutional amendments extending his presidency have alienated Chiwenga’s faction, intensifying tensions within Zanu PF.
“Mnangagwa has breached the gentlemen’s agreement,” a senior Zanu PF official said. “The elimination of Chiwenga’s loyalists is not coincidental—it’s a calculated strategy to secure his grip on power.”
Mnangagwa’s consolidation efforts have reportedly sidelined Chiwenga and his allies, who now face diminishing influence in the military and the party.
Analysts warn that the growing rift between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga could spark another violent power struggle.
With Zanu PF’s history of factionalism and internal purges, the fallout between the two leaders poses a serious threat to Zimbabwe’s political stability.
“Mnangagwa’s survival depends on parliamentary loyalty and a neutralized military,” political analyst Mutodi said. “But if Chiwenga’s camp feels cornered, they might act decisively, even risking another coup.”
Chiwenga’s diminishing support within the military—a power base he once commanded—leaves him vulnerable as Mnangagwa tightens his grip on authority.
With each passing funeral, the Vice President’s circle of allies shrinks, adding fuel to speculation that his political ambitions are being systematically dismantled.
The rivalry between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga risks plunging Zimbabwe into deeper uncertainty.