Details have surfaced regarding an alleged scheme involving self-exiled former Cabinet Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, activist Danmore Mambondiyani, and businessman Simon Rudland, who are accused of planning violent mass demonstrations aimed at triggering an unconstitutional change of government.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the trio is reportedly attempting to mobilise support for the protests through structures linked to Tendai Biti’s Constitutional Defenders Forum (CDF), the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), as well as a network of online bloggers.
The sources allege that some of the organisers, believed to be operating from outside the country, are coordinating activities with individuals based in South Africa in what they describe as an effort to destabilise the country under the pretext of opposing proposed constitutional amendments.
The CDF, which is convened by Biti, is said to be providing a local platform for what some analysts describe as a “hybrid strategy,” combining street protests with legal challenges in an attempt to pressure authorities and push for political change.
Investigations cited by the sources also claim that the planned demonstrations are receiving financial backing from Rudland, who is alleged to have channelled funds to support the mobilisation of protest activities.
“Rudland is believed to be a key financier of these activities. Significant amounts of money have reportedly been transferred to fund the demonstrations, with additional funding expected from international networks,” a source familiar with the alleged financial arrangements said.
“The underlying objective is regime change, presented publicly as a campaign to defend constitutionalism.”
Mambondiyani is reportedly playing a central role in mobilising supporters through social media platforms, while ZINASU is said to be viewed as a key base for recruiting participants for the demonstrations.
Sources further claim that although the Constitutional Defenders Forum was created as a platform to defend constitutional principles, some external actors are allegedly attempting to use it to advance their own political interests.
According to insiders, certain individuals involved in the initiative are accused of exploiting the forum to promote political agendas linked to Kasukuwere and his associates.
“They are relying on Biti and his network of legal practitioners to give legitimacy to what critics describe as a broader plan to remove the government through protest action,” said a political commentator who requested anonymity.
In recent weeks, bloggers aligned with opposition movements have reportedly intensified online messaging, with calls for mass demonstrations circulating widely on social media platforms.
Internal Disputes Reported
At the same time, sources claim disagreements have begun to surface among organisers regarding the management of funds meant to support the demonstrations. Tensions are reportedly growing between individuals coordinating the initiative and activists on the ground.
The situation has also drawn attention to the cases of activist Jim Kunaka and Godfrey Karembera, who are currently being held in remand prison.
Sources allege disputes have arisen over the allocation of funds meant to assist activists facing legal challenges.
“Some of the individuals who were supposed to benefit from the funds are still in prison while those managing the resources are reportedly arguing over how the money has been used,” said a source within activist circles.
Efforts to obtain comment from Kasukuwere were unsuccessful as he remains outside the country. Attempts to contact Mambondiyani through known channels also did not yield a response.
As the country continues to navigate a complex political environment, analysts say citizens should remain vigilant and emphasise the importance of resolving national disputes through peaceful and lawful democratic processes.
Source: ZBC Online
