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VP Chiwenga Wanted Fortune Chasi To Replace Mnangagwa? Report Makes Suggestions
18 August 2020
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…Chasi became a suitable replacement of Mnangagwa chosen by the Chiwenga faction…

Emmerson Mnangagwa rushed to remove Energy minister Fortune Chasi over a string of issues that were allegedly causing a strain between them including factionalism in the ruling party, a report has suggested.

Chasi, who was one of the most popular of ministers in Mnangagwa’s Cabinet, is also said to have been deemed a threat to the first family’s interests which is suffering allegations of gross corruption.

The details are suggested in a report by the weekly Standard newspaper which quotes a source saying Chasi became a suitable replacement of Mnangagwa chosen by the Chiwenga faction.

The article, partly printed below, passes these suggestions however obtaining clues from faceless sources. ZimEye reveals the video of a Mnangagwa loyale, the Presidential advisor, Chris Mutsvangwa who openly fingers Chasi while at the same time saying that the events of the last few days were geared at removing Mnangagwa.

Mutsvangwa said his boss Mnangagwa cannot be corrupt because he set up an anti-corruption commission.

Speaking to the state broadcaster, ZBC, Mutsvangwa said Mnangagwa cannot be accused of corruption because he has fulfilled the constitution by setting up the Zimbabwe anti-corruption commission, ZACC. The organisation is led by Justice Loice Matanda Moyo whose husband, Sibusiso Moyo has been named in a USD1,2 billion scandal allegation that torched storm at the weekend as the reason why Mnangagwa has fired Energy Minister Fortune Chasi.

Her organisation was still to comment on the allegations at the time of writing.

Recently describing the same commission, Mnangagwa personally, and somewhat unwittingly described the organisation as a “new corruption,” which he set up to investigate corruption crimes.

VP Constantino Chiwenga is said to have ordered the brief arrest of Mnangagwa’s daughter, Chido over illegal mining in Mazowe. On another hand, his faction members have dropped dead in the last 3 weeks under mysterious circumstances.

Speaking to the ZBC, Mutsvangwa criticised the 31 July movement which is against corruption. He said,

“Surprisingly those who were behind 31 July didn’t want sanctions they instead invoked The Bogey of corruption, as a reason for people to go into the street and they wanted some how to attach the tag of corruption to the head of state of the country when it is clear that he is the first one who has set up an @ZACConline , as the constitution requires. He has fired ministers including as recently as yesterday because of the tag, because of the stigma of corruption, it has never happened in this country…

“So here is a man who is cleaning the mess, who is moving down the main street, cleaning the sewage, he is now being accused of being the one who is corrupt now that’s where this whole thing was supposed to lead to regime change and removal of the president…” VIDEO:

Meanwhile, the Standard article reads:

The Zanu-PF leader announced the shock removal of the former Justice and Transport deputy minister from government on Friday.

According to a statement by chief secretary to the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda, Chasi’s “conduct of government business had become incompatible with the president’s expectations.”

He was replaced by the little-known Soda Zhemu, the Zanu-PF MP for Muzarabani in Mashonaland Central province.

Insiders said a Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) report on the chaos at Zesa would be used as an excuse for Chasi’s sacking, but the issues were much deeper.

A week ago, Mnangagwa ordered Zacc to investigate Zesa after suspending the power utility’s executive chairman Sydney Gata and the entire board.

Insiders now say the Zesa issue was a decoy and Gata would be used to implicate Chasi in alleged shady deals.

Insiders said the real issues were that Chasi was being targeted because of suspicions that he had ambitions for higher office.

They said the Mazowe South MP was viewed as an ally of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and that he was one of those allegedly plotting against Mnangagwa.

“There is suspicion that the Chiwenga faction considered Chasi as presidential material and in the event the army takes over from Mnangagwa, he could be the new face of Zanu-PF,” the source said.

“Others also considered him a G40 person because he was receiving praise from exiled former G40 hawks.”

A fortnight ago, Mnangagwa and Chiwenga allegedly clashed during a politburo meeting where evidence was allegedly produced that a faction linked to the vice president was plotting against the president.

A politburo member Cleveria Chizema was suspended after posters allegedly promoting the July 31 protests by opposition groups were found at her Harare home.

Chizema was accused of being part of Zanu-PF people that allegedly wanted to use the protests to push for Chiwenga to take over from Mnangagwa.

Zanu-PF sources said Chasi’s sacking was to some extent part of a continuation of a purge that will target those suspected to be involved in the alleged plot.

The Mnangagwa family is also said to have played a big role in the minister’s unceremonious exit.

“Chasi was caught in the crossfire, he has been a victim of family politics and factionalism in Zanu-PF,” the source said.

“Chasi failed to read the politics.”

Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa yesterday refused to comment on Chasi’s dismissal and allegations that Mnangagwa’s family had a role in the minister’s sacking.

“How do I comment on a decision by my principal? You heard it,” Mutsvangwa said.

“It is factual and clear that he was relieved of his duties.

“I am not the one who appointed him so the person, who appointed him relieved him of his duties.”

Factionalism is said to be resurfacing in Zanu-PF over Chiwenga’s alleged ambitions to take over from Mnangagwa ahead of the 2023 elections.