By Munacho Gwamanda- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has suffered a significant setback after President Emmerson Mnangagwa dismissed his relative from government on Tuesday.

Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs Minister, Apollonia Munzverengwi, was fired just a day after public clashes erupted between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga’s supporters at the National Heroes Acre.

Legal practitioner Itayi Ndudzo swiftly replaced her.

Munzverengwi, a well-known ally of Chiwenga, played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the vice president, who is widely believed to be positioning himself for a challenge against Mnangagwa ahead of the next ZANU PF elective congress.

Government insiders suggest that Munangagwa’s decision to axe Munzverengwi is part of a broader strategy to weaken Chiwenga’s influence, particularly in Mashonaland East—an influential province in ZANU PF’s power struggles.

The move mirrors previous purges that targeted military-backed figures who had helped Mnangagwa seize power from Robert Mugabe in the 2017 coup.

While the official statement on Munzverengwi’s dismissal cites constitutional provisions, political analysts argue that Mnangagwa is consolidating his grip on power amid speculation that Chiwenga may challenge him before the 2028 elections.

The vice president has recently maintained a low public profile, further fueling rumours of a deepening rift between the two leaders.