Justice Minister Responds to Military Threat Against Mnangagwa
By Special Correspondent | ZimEye | Zimbabwe’s Justice Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, has dismissed claims that he advised President Emmerson Mnangagwa to fire his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, amid growing political tensions that have now escalated to a military threat to remove Mnangagwa. His remarks come after a leaked viral unofficial press conference featuring a member of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) warning against any move to push Chiwenga out of power.
Speaking exclusively to ZimEye around 8 PM, Ziyambi strongly denied orchestrating efforts to sideline Chiwenga, dismissing allegations that he instructed ZANU PF structures to threaten the Vice President with “crocodile milk”—a euphemism for poison. “It’s not a crime, but it’s criminal to lie about what was never discussed,” he said, referring to claims that he directed Mnangagwa to pretend ignorance over calls for an unconstitutional amendment to prolong his rule.
However, when presented with a video clip from an official ZANU PF meeting where the pronouncements were made, Ziyambi evaded direct answers. “Videos never speak about VP,” he responded when confronted with footage of himself issuing directives.
As tensions within ZANU PF mount, concerns have risen over whether Mnangagwa intends to extend his stay in power beyond constitutional limits. When asked whether the constitutional amendment is aimed at eliminating Chiwenga from succession, Ziyambi countered, “From where? Congress elects a successor. Has congress sat yet? Who said he [Chiwenga] cannot be elected in 2030?”
The leaked press conference by the ZDF member, now circulating widely, underscores the military’s resistance to any move that would betray the long-standing agreement between war veterans and the ruling party, particularly the so-called “Soko naShumba” pact. This agreement is believed to outline power-sharing arrangements between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga.
Ziyambi further downplayed threats against Chiwenga, insisting that declarations from Mashonaland West leaders—who were caught on video chanting about feeding Chiwenga “crocodile milk”—did not amount to a political directive. “Where did Mash West sing that song? I am not aware of ZANU PF issues being confined to agreements between two people. I thought we go to congress?” he argued.
Despite his denials, he was confronted with video evidence showing a Mashonaland West provincial chairperson making statements advocating for Chiwenga’s poisoning. Shortly after, Ziyambi abruptly terminated the conversation and left the interview at around 8:30 PM.
The Justice Minister’s response does little to ease growing fears of an internal power struggle that has now drawn the attention of Zimbabwe’s military. With war veterans and army officials reportedly taking a firm stance against any betrayal of their agreement with Chiwenga, the political landscape remains volatile.
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