By James, Gwati-Zanu, PF has expelled five key allies of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga for challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda, signalling intensified factional battles within the ruling party.
The dismissed members include outspoken war veteran and Central Committee member Blessed Geza, alongside Gifford Gomwe, Kudakwashe Gopo, Godwin Gomwe, and Victor Manungo.
Their expulsion was confirmed by the party’s legal affairs secretary, Patrick Chinamasa, who cited misconduct and activities deemed detrimental to Zanu PF’s stability.
“The Politburo has endorsed the expulsion of these members following recommendations from the National Disciplinary Committee,” Chinamasa stated. “Zanu PF is a no-nonsense party, and we will not tolerate factionalism, mischief, or actions that threaten our unity.”
Zanu PF also sanctioned three other allies of Chiwenga—Calisto Bangu, Kudakwashe Damson, and Blessing Kambumu. Bangu was summoned to respond to allegations of undermining the party, while Damson’s initial two-year suspension for election manipulation and abuse of office has been extended to three years. Kambumu remains a Zanu PF member but was barred from holding any position for three years due to insubordination and operating a fake social media account.
Geza, a vocal critic of Mnangagwa, has accused the President of corruption, economic mismanagement, and betraying the liberation struggle.
His rhetoric has gained traction among disgruntled party members, including factions within the security forces.
Chinamasa emphasized that Geza’s expulsion was inevitable due to repeated warnings regarding his public statements.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Geza has gone into hiding as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) pursues him on charges including theft, incitement to violence, and undermining presidential authority.
Geza’s removal follows recent sightings of military tanks patrolling parts of Harare.
While officials claimed these were routine exercises, security sources suggest rising unease within the armed forces over Mnangagwa’s leadership.
The situation bears similarities to the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe.
Then, Vice President Mnangagwa was dismissed amid party infighting but later returned with military backing led by Chiwenga.