Harare — A scheduled ZANU-PF rally was abruptly shut down, leaving a fully prepared venue deserted, following controversial remarks by Presidential Investments Adviser Paul Tungwarara. His public name-dropping of President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly triggered swift intervention from senior party officials.
Eyewitnesses said the rally venue, which had been prepared in advance with staging and security arrangements, recorded a no-show. Trucks carrying equipment, party regalia and sound systems were seen turning back before reaching the site. Security escorts accompanying the convoy were also observed withdrawing.
“There was clear preparation. Trucks arrived early, but later everything just left,” said one eyewitness. “We were told to wait, then suddenly the convoy was ordered to go back.”
Multiple videos circulating on social media show Tungwarara invoking President Mnangagwa’s name during an earlier ZANU-PF gathering. Party insiders say the remarks were viewed as an unauthorised attempt to project presidential backing and assert political influence outside established party structures.
Senior party officials described the comments as reckless and divisive, warning that such behaviour risked fragmenting the party and undermining its leadership hierarchy.
“What happened after those remarks was not accidental,” said a senior ZANU-PF official. “Once the President’s name is used improperly, action is taken immediately.”
Eyewitnesses at the venue said confusion and frustration followed the decision to halt the rally.
“People had gathered, vendors had set up, but there was no explanation,” said another witness. “Later, we saw police escorts and trucks heading back towards town.”
Party sources confirmed that the rally was halted to prevent further political fallout and to reassert party discipline, adding that the matter had been referred to higher authorities.
Tungwarara had not issued a public clarification by the time of publication.
Political analysts say the incident underscores the serious consequences of invoking presidential authority in internal party politics, noting that such actions are often met with rapid and decisive responses.
