By Munacho Gwamanda–Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe has defended the sudden reappearance of police roadblocks across Zimbabwe, a move that coincides with the sighting of more than 20 military tanks on the streets of Harare.
While Kazembe insists the roadblocks are meant to curb traffic violations, citizens have raised concerns that law enforcement officers are using them to extort money from motorists.
Authorities have downplayed the presence of army tanks, claiming they are part of routine military drills.
However, the timing has fueled speculation of political instability, with many recalling eerily similar circumstances in the lead-up to the 2017 coup that toppled long-time ruler Robert Mugabe.
Kazembe’s confirmation that police checkpoints would remain in place has only intensified fears of an imminent power struggle.
Echoing military officials’ justifications for the tank deployments, Kazembe framed the roadblocks as a necessary measure to maintain law and order.
“Our people complain when police presence increases, and they complain when it is reduced. We have resolved to let the law guide us. The police will enforce regulations firmly, whether people complain or not,” Kazembe said.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing an electronic traffic management system, claiming it would enhance enforcement and reduce corruption.
“Technology doesn’t discriminate – it does not care about your face, relationship, or status. It ensures fairness and holds everyone accountable. By the end of this year, we will have this solution in place, and it will end the chaos on our roads,” he added.
Kazembe warned that reckless drivers and lawbreakers would face severe penalties, urging the public to comply with police directives.
Yet, many Zimbabweans suspect these measures are part of a broader security operation tied to internal conflicts within the ruling ZANU-PF party.
The heightened security presence comes amid increasing turmoil in ZANU-PF.
War veteran and Central Committee member Blessing Geza recently threatened to expose a faction plotting to remove President Emmerson Mnangagwa from power.
Geza, known for his ties to powerful military factions, issued an ultimatum for Mnangagwa to step down, warning of drastic consequences if he refuses.
Reports suggest that a military-aligned faction, led by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, is growing increasingly disillusioned with Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Many believe Mnangagwa has failed to honour an alleged agreement made during the 2017 coup, which purportedly secured Chiwenga’s path to the presidency.
Further adding to public anxiety, a viral video has surfaced featuring an unnamed prophet predicting a violent coup in Zimbabwe.
“The Lord has spoken, and I must pray for Zimbabwe. I saw another coup—one that will bring chaos and bloodshed. This will not be like before; this time, there will be much suffering, and many lives will be lost,” the prophet warned.
Prominent religious leader Ian Ndlovu has also issued a chilling prophecy, cautioning that the country’s deepening power struggle could spiral out of control.
The current political climate bears striking similarities to the events preceding the November 2017 coup, when the military moved against Mugabe to protect national stability.
Then, as now, military tanks rolled into Harare, and police roadblocks became more pronounced.
What was framed as a bid to restore democracy was, in reality, a high-stakes battle within ZANU-PF.
Mnangagwa ultimately emerged victorious, but his tenure has been marred by growing discontent within military ranks and the ruling party.
With tensions reaching a boiling point once again, the presence of tanks in Harare and the resurgence of roadblocks have reignited fears of another political shake-up.
Whether these developments signal the early stages of a coup or merely serve as precautionary security measures remains to be seen.
However, one thing is clear: Zimbabwe’s political landscape remains as volatile as ever.