War Veterans Defend Chiwenga, Reject Resignation Calls

Harare - Zimbabwe’s political tensions escalated over the weekend as war veterans rallied behind Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, while a retired military commander separately alleged a coordinated plot to stage protests against him.

Andrease Ethan Mathibela, Chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, dismissed calls for Chiwenga’s resignation, describing them as legally unfounded and inconsistent with the Constitution.

In a statement, Mathibela said criticism of the Vice President, stemming from his participation in and sharing of a church sermon, did not meet the threshold required for a public official to step down.

“The mere fact that one holds high office does not strip them of their personal liberties,” he said, arguing that constitutional protections such as freedom of religion, expression and association apply equally to all citizens.

He added that attending a church service and sharing religious reflections could not reasonably be construed as misconduct or abuse of office, warning against what he described as the politicisation of religious spaces.

Mathibela urged restraint in public discourse, saying calls for resignation should be grounded in clear issues such as illegality or failure to perform official duties.

Meanwhile, retired Lieutenant General Winston Sigauke Mapuranga alleged that a planned protest targeting Chiwenga was being orchestrated by political actors and business interests, claims that could not be independently verified.

In a separate statement, Mapuranga accused former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa and activist Taurai Kandishaya of coordinating what he termed a “bussed protest operation” intended to create the appearance of widespread public opposition.

He further alleged that businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei was financing the effort, claiming participants would be transported to demonstrations using hired buses.

“This is not civic action. This is a funded, manufactured, choreographed provocation,” Mapuranga said, adding that such actions risk heightening political tensions.

Mapuranga said his claims were based on credible intelligence, though he did not provide supporting evidence.

The developments come amid intensifying public debate over Chiwenga’s political role and broader questions around governance, accountability and civil liberties in Zimbabwe.

Analysts warn that unverified claims of orchestrated protests, alongside growing political rhetoric, risk deepening divisions if not handled with caution and transparency.