Munacho Gwamanda- The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has dismissed a statement purportedly issued by individuals claiming to be soldiers planning a coup against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This comes amid growing internal rifts within the ruling ZANU PF party and escalating tensions between Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
ZNA spokesperson Alphios Makotore told ZimEye that he was unaware of any officers involved in the alleged coup attempt.
“Which officer and on what subject issues?” he questioned, before adding, “I don’t comment on such issues since I am no longer in that office. Kindly contact Defence Headquarters.”
His response follows a statement released by an anonymous group claiming to represent sections of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
The group, speaking in a military-style declaration, accused President Mnangagwa of orchestrating the assassinations of high-ranking army generals and warned of impending action to “protect the Constitution from counter-revolutionary gangsters.”
The coup threats come in the wake of controversial statements by Blessing Geza, a war veteran and Zanu PF central committee member with strong ties to security forces.
Geza has repeatedly alleged that Mnangagwa his family and thier close allies, were corrupt and are distroying the country.
His outbursts have fueled speculation that discontent within the security sector is reaching a breaking point.
Geza has also been vocal about the ongoing power struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga.
The vice president, who played a pivotal role in the 2017 military coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, is believed to be losing patience with Mnangagwa’s consolidation of power.
Reports suggest that Chiwenga, backed by senior military officials, is growing increasingly frustrated with Mnangagwa’sgovernance, patronage networks, and the marginalization of key military figures in government affairs.
The rift between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga has been a defining feature of Zimbabwean politics since 2017.
While Mnangagwa initially relied on military support to ascend to power, his subsequent moves to sideline key army figures have deepened divisions.
Chiwenga, a former army general with strong ties to the security establishment, has maintained a strategic silence in recent months, leading to speculation that he may be preparing to challenge Mnangagwa’s rule.
The recent alledged military statement directly referenced Mnangagwa’s alleged role in a series of political assassinations, naming prominent figures such as:
- General Vitalis Zvinavashe
- General Solomon Mujuru
- General Charles Gumbo
- General Sibusiso Moyo
- Air Marshal Perence Shiri
- Brigadier General Armstrong Gunda
- Major General Trust Mugoba
- Major General Douglas Nyakayaramba
- Colonel Francis Muleya
- Lieutenant General Edzai Chimoyo
- Commissioner General Paradzai Zimondi
- Brigadier General Michael Chaminuka
The statement also accused Mnangagwa’s administration of widespread corruption, economic mismanagement, and the systematic oppression of war veterans and junior security officers.
The statement issued by the anonymous military group outlined a plan to “take action” against Mnangagwa’s government if conditions did not improve. It called on junior officers in the army, police, and intelligence services to prepare for a“constitutional intervention.”
“The majority of you are living in abject poverty while the ruling elite loots national resources,” the statement read. “We urge you to defend the Constitution from kleptocratic rulers who treat the national treasury as their personal bank account.”
Additionally, the statement warned key Mnangagwa loyalists, including:
- Owen Ncube
- Ziyambi Ziyambi
- Daniel Garwe
- Kazembe Kazembe
- Tatenda Mavetera
- Jenfan Muswere
- Businessman Wicknell Chivayo
The group accused them of insulting war veterans and manipulating the security sector for political gain.
Despite the coup threats, the Mnangagwa administration has maintained a firm grip on the state security apparatus.
The government has ramped up surveillance, and there are reports of increased deployments of intelligence operatives within the armed forces.
Analysts warn that while the statement may not signal an immediate coup, it reflects growing discontent within the security establishment.