Factional tensions within the ruling ZANU PF party have reportedly escalated, with claims that individuals impersonating state security agents are targeting members and leaders opposed to the so-called 2030 agenda.
The party is currently divided over proposals to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond 2028, a move pushed by some supporters despite the constitutional two-term limit. Mnangagwa has repeatedly stated that he intends to step down when his current term ends in 2028.
Recent reports indicate that certain members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) are refusing to join the campaign for Mnangagwa’s extension, instead awaiting guidance from the president. During a recent meeting in Victoria Falls, ZNLWVA leadership emphasized that their focus should remain on improving the welfare of war veterans rather than engaging in succession disputes.
Sources told NewsDay that while the meeting was contentious, the national executive agreed that the succession debate, including the 2030 agenda, was a distraction from the organization’s core mandate. However, this position has reportedly angered some ZANU PF officials, who have allegedly targeted outspoken leaders within the association.
ZNLWVA national secretary-general Sam Parerenyatwa is said to have been a primary target. Reports claim that both his farm in Centenary and his mining operations in Guruve were attacked, resulting in the loss and damage of equipment. Parerenyatwa was reportedly the first leader within the association to refuse to chant the “ED2030” slogan during a provincial rally, raising concerns among some party officials about his potential influence over other war veterans.
Sources further allege that Parerenyatwa, along with his late partner Alexander Chiwara and his son, faced repeated attacks on their mining venture in Guruve. The assailants, allegedly claiming links to the President’s Office, reportedly mobilized local youths to assault workers and disrupt operations. Despite these incidents, sources claim that the police have failed to make arrests, suggesting possible protection of the attackers.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, however, stated that law enforcement has no records confirming Parerenyatwa’s legal involvement in mining activities. He noted that Parerenyatwa had reported trespassing at his farm and advised him to provide further information to support police action. Regarding Chiwara, Nyathi said he was arrested for illegally conducting mining activities without the required environmental permits, and that his subsequent death in August 2025 was due to health complications, according to a post-mortem report.
Nyathi further clarified that the Zimbabwe Republic Police is responsible for enforcing the law and addressing complaints related to land use, mining, and security, but that issues involving land disputes or farming are primarily handled by the relevant ministries. He emphasized that there is no evidence linking police complicity to attacks on Parerenyatwa or Chiwara.
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Source – NewsDay
