Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has dismissed Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Apollonia Munzverengwi, in what insiders describe as a move to weaken Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s grip on power.

Munzverengwi’s removal, announced in a press statement dated February 11, 2025, follows months of tensions within the ruling ZANU PF, where factions aligned to Mnangagwa and Chiwenga have been locked in a cold war over party succession. Munzverengwi, a known ally of Chiwenga, was instrumental in mobilizing support for the former army general, who many believe is positioning himself to challenge Mnangagwa ahead of the next ZANU PF elective congress.

Sources within government suggest that Mnangagwa’s decision to axe Munzverengwi is part of a broader strategy to purge Chiwenga’s loyalists, particularly in Mashonaland East, a province that has historically played a key role in ZANU PF power dynamics. The move echoes previous purges, including the sidelining of military-backed figures who helped Mnangagwa ascend to power after the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe.

While the official statement cites constitutional provisions, analysts argue that Mnangagwa is tightening his grip on power amid growing speculation that Chiwenga could make a move against him before 2028. The vice president has maintained a low public profile recently, fueling rumors of a rift between the two leaders.