By Munacho Gwamanda-More than 20 military tankers were spotted in Harare’s Borrowdale area in a scene eerily reminiscent of the events leading up to the 2017 coup that ousted former President Robert Mugabe.
This sudden and unusual movement of military hardware has fueled speculation of another possible coup, amid deepening divisions within Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF.
The government, however, has downplayed the situation, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa spokesperson George Charamba stating that the tankers’ presence is part of routine military drills.
In a message on social media, Charamba urged the public to support the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), stating:
“Support your Zimbabwe Defence Force, ZDF, as it goes through the routine of ensuring all its battle systems are in tip-top state!!! #ZDF, KEEPING YOU SECURE AND DEFENDED.”
Despite these assurances, political tensions are at an all-time high following reports by ZimEye that a coup may be in the making.
A viral video featuring an unnamed prophet predicting a bloody military takeover has added to the growing anxiety.
In the video, the prophet declares:
“The Lord has spoken, and I must pray for Zimbabwe. I saw another coup—one that will bring chaos and bloodshed. This will not be like before; this time, there will be much suffering, and many lives will be lost. I saw the current government being overthrown, and in its place, violence and turmoil will arise. The Bible commands us to pray for those in authority, and now more than ever, Zimbabwe needs our prayers.”
The prophecy suggests that a secret deal regarding leadership succession has collapsed, fueling a power struggle that could soon lead to violent consequences.
This prediction comes on the heels of a direct threat issued by Blessing Geza, a war veteran and senior ZANU-PF Central Committee member, who has warned that Mnangagwa’s rule is under serious threat.
Geza, a former liberation war fighter with strong military connections, has publicly declared that war veterans will take drastic steps to remove Mnangagwa.
His ultimatum to the president has intensified speculation that a military faction loyal to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is preparing to take action against Mnangagwa.
Reports suggest that senior military officials and war veterans recently held secret meetings to strategize ways to block Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his rule beyond his current term under the controversial #ED2030 agenda.
Sources indicate that the rift between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga has reached a breaking point, with Chiwenga’s faction believing Mnangagwa has reneged on a 2017 coup agreement that allegedly promised Chiwenga the presidency after Mnangagwa’s first term.
The current tensions mirror the events leading up to the 2017 military coup that ended Mugabe’s 37-year rule.
The coup was orchestrated by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) under the command of then-General Constantino Chiwenga, with the backing of key military figures such as the late Air Marshal Perrence Shiri and retired General Sibusiso Moyo.
The coup was triggered by Mugabe’s decision to fire Mnangagwa as Vice President, paving the way for his wife, Grace Mugabe, to succeed him.
This move alienated war veterans and the military, who viewed Grace as an opportunist attempting to seize power. The military intervened, placing Mugabe under house arrest and forcing his resignation.
Mnangagwa was then installed as president, with the understanding that he would serve one term before stepping aside for Chiwenga.
Since taking power, Mnangagwa has systematically sidelined Chiwenga and purged military officers loyal to him.
Many key figures from the 2017 coup, including Perrence Shiri and Paradzai Zimondi, have died under suspicious circumstances, leading to speculation that Mnangagwa orchestrated their eliminations to weaken Chiwenga’s support base.
Despite these moves, Chiwenga still commands loyalty within the security forces.
Reports suggest that military officers and war veterans aligned with him are now considering drastic measures to remove Mnangagwa, whom they accuse of entrenching power and betraying the military pact that brought him to office.
A recent high-level meeting reportedly took place in Mashonaland Central, a province known for political coups and opposition to Mnangagwa.
Sources close to the discussions claim that many within the military are disillusioned with Mnangagwa’s leadership and are actively plotting against him. One insider stated:
“You hear what credible war veterans like Blessing Geza are saying. He is not hallucinating; he is communicating a message from the script, and you must listen to him carefully.”
Adding to the uncertainty, another prominent prophet, Ian Ndlovu, has issued a stark warning about a looming coup, stating:
“We must continue to pray for our nation… Two trains are set to collide. I personally pray for peace for all ordinary Zimbabweans, but change must not be stopped, in whatever form it needs to come.”
Unlike in 2017, Mnangagwa has fortified his grip on the intelligence and security apparatus, appointing loyalists to key military positions.
He has also moved to consolidate his power within ZANU-PF by neutralizing potential rivals and securing control over key state institutions.
However, history has shown that Zimbabwe’s political landscape remains unpredictable.
If discontent within the military reaches a critical point, even a heavily fortified president can be overthrown.
With tensions between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga escalating and war veterans openly voicing their grievances, Zimbabwe may be on the brink of yet another political upheaval.