HARARE – A deadly attack involving central intelligence organisation (CIO) agents on the backers of General Constantino Chiwenga has rocked the nation, intensifying the already volatile political landscape as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial “2030 agenda” ignites a fierce power struggle within Zanu-PF. This latest incident follows a wave of arrests and allegations of torture, painting a grim picture of political repression and internal strife.
The escalating tensions stem from Mnangagwa’s ambition to extend his rule beyond the constitutional limit of 2028, a move vehemently opposed by factions loyal to Vice-President Chiwenga, who is widely seen as Mnangagwa’s most likely successor. The “2030 agenda,” as it’s known within Zanu-PF, has become a lightning rod for dissent, exposing deep divisions within the ruling party and triggering a brutal power play.
The attack on Chiwenga’s supporters, details of which remain shrouded in secrecy, comes amidst disturbing reports of state security agents (CIOs) intensifying surveillance of political activists suspected of opposing Mnangagwa’s agenda. Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Godfrey “Madzibaba Veshanduko” Karembera was allegedly abducted and tortured by suspected state agents before being dumped at a Harare police station, according to his lawyer.
Karembera’s lawyer, Paida Saurombe, informed the magistrate during his court appearance last week that her client had been severely assaulted and tortured during his abduction. “His body bears the marks of severe abuse and he is in pain,” Saurombe told the court, adding that Karembera was unable to walk without assistance.
The court heard that the activist was abducted last Monday by individuals in unmarked vehicles, tortured overnight, and then left at Harare Central Police Station.
Prosecutors allege that on October 16, Karembera and others “still at large” conspired to incite public participation in demonstrations planned by expelled Zanu-PF central committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza. The protests were scheduled for the following day at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square and Africa Unity Square in central Harare.
The state claims that Karembera distributed fliers in Highfield, Glen View, and Budiriro bearing slogans such as “Stop the looting,” “Zimbabwe is not for sale,” “7 billion reasons to march,” and “One million man march.” He also allegedly recorded and shared a video message urging citizens to gather at Africa Unity Square on October 17. The fliers and video have been tendered in court as exhibits.
Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai dismissed Karembera’s bail application, and he is expected to reappear in court on October 28.
The crackdown follows the failed demonstrations called by Geza, who has been demanding Mnangagwa’s resignation over alleged corruption and poor governance. Geza, often seen on social media in military fatigues, has in recent months accused Mnangagwa of “betraying the revolution” and “aligning with criminal saboteurs”. He was expelled from Zanu-PF earlier this year for “conduct inconsistent with party principles”.
Another activist, Malcom “Traore” Masarira, a Zanu-PF member from Manicaland who operates a WhatsApp channel and X account titled “Chiwenga for President”, was also arrested on Friday.
Masarira, whose channel has over 16,000 followers, appeared before magistrate Sharon Rakafa on Saturday facing incitement charges for allegedly encouraging public participation in the October 17 protests.
Masarira has been critical of Mnangagwa’s administration and the so-called “2030 agenda” – a campaign within Zanu-PF to extend the President’s term beyond 2028.
At least 10 war veterans have also been denied bail in connection with the same demonstrations, further highlighting the widening net of repression.
At the ruling party’s annual conference in Mutare last week, delegates adopted a resolution endorsing legal reforms to pave the way for Mnangagwa’s continued leadership beyond the constitutional limit of 2028.
The controversial proposal – known internally as the “2030 Agenda” – has divided the ruling party, with reports suggesting fierce resistance from Chiwenga’s loyalists.
A leaked document titled the “Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI)” outlines a detailed roadmap for constitutional amendments to extend the President’s term by 2026, fueling speculation that Mnangagwa is determined to cling to power at any cost.
Zanu-PF’s Legal Affairs Secretary, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, recently accused Chiwenga of being behind Geza’s agitation campaign, while Chiwenga’s allies have dismissed the claims as an attempt to frame the Vice-President.
Political observers suggest the current developments mirror the factional battles that preceded the ouster of the late President Robert Mugabe in 2017, raising fears of a similar power struggle with potentially devastating consequences.
“The current wave of arrests and the attack on Chiwenga’s backers reflect a desperate attempt by Mnangagwa to consolidate his power ahead of 2028,” said one Harare-based analyst. “The party is tearing itself apart as factions vie for control, and the violence is a worrying sign of things to come.”
For now, both Karembera and Masarira remain in remand prison, and the nation holds its breath, fearing further bloodshed as Mnangagwa’s pursuit of the “2030 agenda” plunges Zanu-PF into a full-blown bloodbath.
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