By Munacho Gwamanda-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has deployed 900 newly passed-out police officers ahead of a mass demonstration against his rule, planned for March 31 by a pro-Chiwenga faction.
The protest, spearheaded by a figure known as Malcom—believed to be based in South Africa—is mobilizing against Mnangagwa’s controversial 2030 agenda, which aims to extend his grip on power.
The brewing political storm came into the spotlight on Sunday when a group of disgruntled women ambushed self-styled cleric and Zanu PF apologist Obediah Msindo he had allegedly used for political campaigns without compensating them.
The confrontation took place at his usual Rainbow Towers hotel venue, where the women accused him of betrayal.
In response, Msindo alleged that they were being manipulated by Malcom.
Malcom later took to social media to declare that the March 31 demonstration would target Mnangagwa and his key allies, including businessman Wicknell Chivayo, fuel mogul Kuda Tagwirei, and Zanu PF loyalist Paul Tungwarara.
The group vowed to “nip Mnangagwa and his bootlickers from the bud” over allegations of corruption and misgovernance.
On Thursday, Mnangagwa officiated at the passing-out parade of 907 police officers at Morris Depot, with 624 males and 283 females completing their training.
However, the most notable aspect of the event was the conspicuous absence of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a key figure in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
Chiwenga was the only senior member of the Presidium missing from the high-profile event, raising fresh speculation about the escalating power struggle between him and Mnangagwa.
The event was attended by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri, CIO Minister Lovemore Matuke, Higher Education Minister Frederick Shava, and Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Minister Christopher Magomo, among others.
Security chiefs were also present, alongside Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) chairperson Michael Reza and Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) director-general Dr. Gift Machengete.
Chiwenga’s absence was not an isolated incident.
He has repeatedly skipped key state functions presided over by Mnangagwa, fueling speculation that he is deliberately distancing himself from the administration as tensions escalate within Zanu PF.
The rift between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga dates back to the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe.
Chiwenga, then the commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, played a pivotal role in installing Mnangagwa as president.
However, their alliance has since soured, with Chiwenga and his military allies growing increasingly frustrated over Mnangagwa’s manoeuvres to consolidate power and extend his rule beyond 2028.
Sources within Zanu PF indicate that the two leaders had a gentleman’s agreement that Mnangagwa would serve two terms before handing power to Chiwenga.
However, Mnangagwa appears to have reneged on this arrangement, instead positioning himself for an extended stay in office.
Chiwenga’s faction within Zanu PF and the security forces is now reportedly mobilizing against Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his presidency, with the March 31 demonstration serving as a major flashpoint in their deteriorating relationship.
The security sector, once a unified force behind Mnangagwa, is now deeply divided, with some elements reportedly backing Chiwenga’s push for leadership change.