By James Gwati–At least eight key Zanu PF allies of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga have been expelled for opposing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda, deepening factional tensions within the ruling party.
Among those dismissed are an outspoken war veteran and Central Committee member, Blessed Geza, alongside Gifford Gomwe, Kudakwashe Gopo, Godwin Gomwe, and Victor Manungo.
Three other Chiwenga allies—Calisto Bangu, Kudakwashe Damson, and Blessing Kambumu—were also sanctioned.
Bangu was summoned to answer allegations of undermining the party, while Damson’s suspension for election manipulation was extended from two to three years.
Kambumu, though still a party member, was barred from holding office for three years over insubordination and running a fake social media account.
Zanu PF’s legal affairs secretary, Patrick Chinamasa, confirmed the expulsions, citing misconduct and actions deemed destabilizing to the party.
“Zanu PF is a no-nonsense party, and we will not tolerate factionalism, mischief, or actions that threaten our unity,” Chinamasa declared after the Politburo endorsed the dismissals.
Geza, a fierce critic of Mnangagwa, has accused him of corruption, economic mismanagement, and betraying the liberation struggle.
His rhetoric has gained traction among disillusioned party members, including factions within the security forces.
Chinamasa warned that Geza’s expulsion was inevitable after repeated warnings about his public statements.
Meanwhile, Geza has reportedly gone into hiding as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) pursues him on charges including theft, incitement to violence, and undermining presidential authority.
His removal comes amid heightened security tensions, with military tanks recently spotted patrolling parts of Harare.
While officials dismissed the deployment as routine, sources suggest growing unease within the armed forces over Mnangagwa’s rule—drawing eerie parallels to the 2017 coup that toppled Robert Mugabe.
Then, Mnangagwa was ousted in a factional battle but later returned with military backing—led by none other thanChiwenga.