By Munacho Gwamanda-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has reignited its crackdown on main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, intensifying political persecution as the 2028 general elections draw near.
Chamisa, widely seen as Zimbabwe’s most popular opposition figure since the days of Morgan Tsvangirai, has repeatedly found himself at the receiving end of state repression, largely due to his mass appeal, particularly among urban voters and the youth.
His political journey has been marred by harassment, arrests, and systematic efforts by the ruling Zanu PF to block his rise to power.
Now, as the country inches closer to yet another high-stakes election, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has turned its attention to Chamisa’s inner circle, accusing his closest allies of plotting to incite violence.
On the radar is former Mkoba MP Amos Chibaya, a loyal lieutenant of Chamisa from the days of the MDC through to the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
The ZRP alleges that Chibaya is part of a network planning to spark civil unrest by burning tyres and damaging property across the country.
Also named is Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume, another prominent activist who has previously served jail time for organising peaceful anti-corruption protests.
Both men are accused of being ringleaders of a supposed plot to destabilise the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 23 April, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns individuals and groups who have been identified as instigators, inciters, and ringleaders of criminal elements who intend to unleash violence – including malicious damage to property by burning tyres and destroying buildings – that the full wrath of the law will be effected without fear or favour.
Some of the suspects have been identified as Jacob Ngarivhume and Amos Chibaya.”
Nyathi said security forces are on “full alert” and would decisively deal with “unruly elements” aiming to disrupt what he described as a “peaceful environment.” He also urged the public to report anyone encouraging violence or making threats, providing police hotlines for tip-offs.
This latest development fits a well-documented pattern of intimidation and scapegoating that Chamisa and his allies have endured for years.
Since narrowly losing the disputed 2018 presidential election to Mnangagwa—a contest marred by allegations of vote-rigging and deadly post-election violence—Chamisa has faced near-constant obstruction.
His rallies have been banned, his supporters beaten or jailed, and his party repeatedly targeted through court rulings and police harassment.
In 2023 and early 2024, amid growing discontent within opposition ranks, Chamisa stepped away from the CCC, accusing it of being infiltrated by Zanu PF and state intelligence operatives.
Yet despite leaving the party, Chamisa remains the face of opposition politics in Zimbabwe. His charisma, grassroots support, and message of generational change continue to pose a serious threat to Mnangagwa’s bid for a third term.
Analysts say the state’s ongoing campaign against Chamisa’s allies is part of a broader strategy to weaken any credible alternative to Zanu PF by sowing fear, criminalising dissent, and keeping opposition leaders entangled in legal battles as election season approaches.
With Zimbabwe’s democratic space shrinking, the persecution of Chamisa and his network serves as a grim warning to those who dare challenge the status quo.