ZANU PF Chairperson Masimirembwa’s Office Petrol-Bombed Amid Rising Tensions Over Mnangagwa’s Leadership
By Farai D Hove.| ZimEye | Harare, Zimbabwe – ZANU PF Chairperson Goodwills Masimirembwa’s office was petrol-bombed early this morning, shortly after he publicly backed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s continuation in office ahead of the party’s upcoming congress.
Eyewitnesses report that unknown assailants in vehicles with no number plates and a Honda Fit launched the arson attack around 4 a.m. The attackers, armed with makeshift petrol bombs, targeted the office barricades under construction and set a security guard on fire before throwing a petrol bomb into the office, severely damaging the property.
Masimirembwa, speaking to the state-run Herald newspaper, confirmed the attack:
“The report I received is that two vehicles with no number plates and a Honda Fit arrived around 4 a.m., carrying petrol and makeshift bombs. They beat the security guard, doused him in petrol, and set him alight. They threw a petrol bomb into the office, which luckily only hit the bookshelf.”
The security guard, who sustained extensive burns covering 80% of his body, was rushed to the hospital and is receiving critical care. Masimirembwa added, “We just visited him, and while we are praying for his recovery, his condition is very serious.”
The attack comes at a time of heightened tension within the ruling party, with factions reportedly divided over President Mnangagwa’s future. While Mnangagwa has downplayed the upcoming ZANU PF congress, calling it an “ordinary conference,” insiders and party heavyweights have told ZimEye that it is a pivotal moment to decide his successor.
Several furious ZANU PF members have publicly voiced their discontent with Mnangagwa’s leadership, calling for him to step down during the congress, which is set to begin on Monday. The attack on Masimirembwa’s property may be a stark message from those within the party who are determined to see Mnangagwa’s leadership come to an end.
Impeccable sources indicate that Mnangagwa’s grip on power is weakening, with strong signals pointing to his potential exit. However, the arson attack has raised concerns about increasing violence and internal strife within the party as the congress approaches.
ZANU PF has yet to issue an official statement on the attack, but tensions remain high as the political situation unfolds. More updates to follow.