By A Corresponde,James Gwati
Copyright zimeye
By A Correspondent – Outspoken former legislator Temba Mliswa has launched yet another explosive claim, this time alleging that fuel mogul and ZANU PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei has captured Zimbabwe’s military and is being prepared to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The claims surfaced in a leaked audio of a private conversation between Mliswa and businessman Agrippa “Bopela” Masiyakurima, released on Thursday.
The leak comes just days after Mliswa’s rural home in Shurugwi was torched by unknown assailants in what police confirmed as a suspected arson attack. Mliswa described it as an assassination attempt linked to his persistent calls for accountability in government.
Tagwirei’s Alleged Grip on the Military
In the recording, Mliswa alleges that Mnangagwa has secured the loyalty of the armed forces through Tagwirei’s financial muscle. He claims that the hundreds of vehicles delivered to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) last week were not government-funded, as Mnangagwa announced, but were supplied by Tagwirei.
“Mnangagwa will leave someone he trusts to look after his interests, and that’s Kuda,” Mliswa is heard saying.
“There is no coup that will ever happen in Zimbabwe. Just check, military bosses were given 100 cars. Those are Kuda’s cars.”
Mliswa further alleges that ZDF Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda “salutes Tagwirei” when he passes by. He claims at least 500 vehicles will be distributed not only to top brass but also to colonels, captains, and majors – a strategy he described as “good politics” since mid-ranking officers are the backbone of the military.
Mliswa also revealed that he has been touring the country distributing bicycles donated by Tagwirei to village heads.
Masiyakurima’s Counterattack
Masiyakurima said he recorded the conversation after rejecting what he described as Mliswa’s offer to join a campaign backing Tagwirei. He alleged that Mliswa dangled promises of cash, vehicles, and business support in exchange for loyalty.
“When I realised the money was coming with conditions, I refused. My morals and principles would not allow me to be a sell-out,” Masiyakurima said.
“I just wanted to show Zimbabweans that Temba goes to the highest bidder. He has been recruited by Tagwirei to do smear campaigns against VP Chiwenga.”
Mliswa Cries Betrayal
In response, Mliswa accused Masiyakurima of betrayal. Writing on X, he said Masiyakurima had violated the sanctity of a private discussion:
“As for you Bopela, I considered you a brother and friend and tried to help. We ate and took children to school together. Unfortunately, you had other ideas to please who I don’t know. Next time, leak the whole conversation, not what you think are favourable portions.”
The Chiwenga–Chivayo Angle
The fallout adds fuel to tensions already swirling around Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s bitter standoff with controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Mliswa has accused Chiwenga of using anti-corruption rhetoric selectively, claiming it stems from Chivayo’s alleged failure to fully bankroll Chiwenga’s 2022 wedding to Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi. According to Mliswa, Chivayo lavished millions in cash, cars, and properties on the wedding but fell short by US$150,000 – sparking Chiwenga’s vendetta.
He has also criticised Chiwenga for openly challenging Mnangagwa in Politburo meetings, warning that such disputes risk destabilising the party.
A Target for Outspokenness?
Mliswa’s latest claims follow weeks of political turbulence. Earlier, his vehicle was vandalised in what he linked to his attacks on Chiwenga. The arson attack on his Shurugwi homestead marked a sharp escalation.
Police confirmed the incident on Friday, saying investigations were underway:
“The ZRP confirms that investigations are currently underway in connection with the malicious damage to property incident at Temba Mliswa’s homestead in Shurugwi on 02/10/25. More details will be released in due course.”
Mliswa, a former ZANU PF Mashonaland West chairman, has a long history of clashes with party elites. Expelled in 2014 for allegedly undermining leadership, he reinvented himself as an independent legislator but remained deeply involved in factional politics.
Despite repeated setbacks, Mliswa has carved a reputation as a political maverick who exposes corruption and power struggles inside ZANU PF. Following the Shurugwi attack, he reportedly left for Johannesburg, South Africa, raising speculation over whether he is seeking refuge or preparing for another round of political confrontation.
