By Political Reporter – President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wife, Auxillia, has stirred controversy with her actions that echo the notorious reign of former First Lady Grace Mugabe.
Auxillia, often accused of being power-hungry and ruthless, has intensified her grip on land and social programs across the country, raising concerns about abuse of power and public funds.
In a move reminiscent of Grace Mugabe’s notorious land grabs, Auxillia has set her sights on Mazowe, specifically targeting Arnold Farm, near the scenic Mazowe Dam.
The villagers of Arnold Farm, also known as Manzou, have a dark history, having faced violent evictions under Grace Mugabe.
While a High Court order previously saved them from Grace’s clutches, they now face a renewed threat, this time from Auxillia.
Innocent Dube, spokesperson for the Arnold Farm Villagers Association, revealed that Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Minister Christopher Magogo informed them that they would soon be removed to make way for Auxillia. “They came, pegged the land, and erected cabins, saying they were acting on behalf of the First Lady. 5,000 villagers are at risk of losing their homes,” Dube stated. One villager, still traumatized by Grace Mugabe’s reign, expressed fear: “In 2017, I was arrested and tortured after resisting Grace’s farm grab. I pray it doesn’t happen again.”
Auxillia’s ambition doesn’t stop at land grabs.
She has also conducted a controversial raid on street children in Harare’s CBD, forcibly relocating them to her children’shome in Chiredzi.
Harare City Council was reportedly strong-armed into funding her “social projects,” despite the strain on public resources.
In documents seen by NewsDay, government ministries and the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) ordered Harare’s town clerk, Hosiah Chisango, to divert funds to Auxillia’s initiatives.
A letter from Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare permanent secretary Simon Masanga directed the city to financially support the relocation of street children to Auxillia’s Children’s Home.
Twenty children were removed from the streets and placed in the facility, which also enrolled them in local schools.
Additionally, funds were siphoned for other activities involving Auxillia, including the Junior Councillors National Conference and the SADC regional cookout competitions.
With Auxillia Mnangagwa’s actions drawing comparisons to Grace Mugabe’s infamous land seizures and lavish misuse of public resources, her growing influence over state affairs has triggered public outcry.
Many now view her as a symbol of unchecked power, worse than her predecessor.