By Farai D Hove | Harare – Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has broken his silence in the wake of an unusual threat made during a ZANU PF National Executive meeting involving “crocodile milk,” a bizarre metaphor used by ZANU PF Mashonaland West chairperson Shepherd Marime.
The controversy erupted two weeks ago when Marime delivered a prayer that declared support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s continued rule until 2030 and beyond, while indirectly targeting factions within the ruling party, including those aligned with Chiwenga. Marime invoked “crocodile milk” as a divine tool to thwart what he described as “evil spirits” attempting to destabilize Mnangagwa’s leadership.

“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 said in his dramatic speech, which ended with a resounding “amen.” While many dismissed the remarks as absurd, others saw them as a reflection of the deepening divisions within ZANU PF.
Chiwenga Calls for Unity Amid Tensions
Speaking at the National Heroes Acre today, Vice President Chiwenga delivered a thinly veiled response to the growing tensions. Without directly addressing Marime’s comments, Chiwenga emphasized the importance of respect, unity, and tolerance within the party and the country at large.
“As we strive to develop our country, what must always guide us is the need to shun hatred and to embrace each other through love, tolerance, and forgiveness,” Chiwenga said. “Lack of respect for each other and petty jealousy are mortal sins which cannot be forgiven here on earth and in heaven.”
Chiwenga also invoked the sacrifices made during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, reminding party members of the collective losses endured for the country’s independence.
Factionalism Threatens ZANU PF Stability
The remarks from both sides highlight the intensifying power struggle within ZANU PF as the 2028 elections draw nearer. Speculation about factional rivalries between Mnangagwa’s supporters and those aligned with Chiwenga has grown in recent months, fueled by public and private spats.
Marime’s prayer, with its unusual reference to “crocodile milk,” has become a symbol of the ongoing factionalism. Social media erupted with ridicule and debate, with many questioning the origins and practicality of such a metaphor. However, the underlying message remains clear—loyalty to Mnangagwa’s leadership is being demanded, and dissent is being portrayed as a threat to party unity.
Looking Ahead
As the internal strife within ZANU PF continues to unfold, the remarks by both Marime and Chiwenga suggest that the road to the 2028 elections will be anything but smooth. While Chiwenga’s call for unity and tolerance may resonate with some, the divisions within the party indicate that resolving these tensions will require more than rhetorical appeals.
The nation now watches to see how ZANU PF will navigate these challenges, with many wondering whether the symbolic “crocodile milk” will heal divisions or further intensify the cracks within the ruling party.