Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent
HARARE – In an explosive and unprecedented address to the ZANU-PF Politburo, Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga issued a stark warning, alleging that the party and state have been captured by a criminal cartel seeking to suspend elections and extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030.
A leaked document presentation dated September 17, 2025, obtained by Zim GBC News, Chiwenga drew direct parallels between the current situation and the events that led to the ouster of the late former President Robert Mugabe in the 2017 military-assisted operation.
“History Repeating Itself in Most Shameful Way”
Chiwenga stated that the “sacred mandate” of Operation Restore Legacy was being betrayed. He expressed shock and shame at the emergence of a “so-called 2030 Agenda,” which he claimed is funded by individuals who have brazenly looted state coffers.
“The reality which is clearly emerging is that this 2030 Agenda is being funded and driven by known criminals who have brazenly looted our state coffers with impunity and are now using these resources whose capture and control of our Party is unprecedented and deeply worrying,” Chiwenga told the Politburo.
He directly named businessmen Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivhayo, Scott Sakupwanya, and Delish Nguwaya as the central figures in this alleged scheme.
Alleges $3.2 Billion Looting Spree
The Vice President presented a detailed list of what he termed “unprecedented crimes,” alleging the named individuals and their associates had stolen over US$3.2 billion from government funds. The allegations include:
· Kudakwashe Tagwirei: Accused of a US$1.9 billion fraud related to Kuvimba Mining House and the illicit acquisition of state assets like Sandawana Mines.
· Wicknell Chivhayo: Allegedly stole US$45 million from the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) and over US$193 million through a single bank.
· Scott Sakupwanya: Said to have stolen more than US$800 million through the gold incentive scheme, now turned into a “tollgate fraud.”
· Delish Nguwaya: Accused of siphoning US$162 million through the Geo Pomona waste management contract and over US$60 million from a NatPharm contract.
“Tingarambe takatarisa vanhu vachiba more than US$3.2 billion in cash from our state coffers while our people are suffering out there?” Chiwenga asked, switching to Shona for emphasis.
“Even mealie meal is now running out… while we are prioritising paying these criminals.”
Warns of “Treasonous” Plot to Suspend Elections
Chiwenga further raised alarm over a “treasonous project” he called the “Breaking Barriers Initiative,” which he claimed is championed by exiled former minister Professor Jonathan Moyo.
He alleged the project aims to change Zimbabwe’s political system and suspend elections until 2035.
“Not only is this Project treasonous and a huge scandal… We are now watching in shock and disbelief as this project is now being covertly implemented and being funded by these criminals,” he stated, reiterating that the initiative had never been discussed or approved by the party’s Congress or Central Committee.
Call for Immediate Arrests and Action
The Vice President concluded with a forceful demand for immediate action, framing the moment as a critical juncture for the party’s survival.
“Comrade President, tirikuti vanhu ava… ngavasungwe, immediately for these unprecedented crimes they have committed,” he declared.
“The time for silence and inaction is over, Comrade President… We must immediately prioritise cleaning our house, reclaim our State and our Party from the capture by Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivhayo, Scott Sakupwanya, and Delish Nguwaya and their associates.”
This public airing of what appear to be deep-seated divisions within ZANU-PF’s top echelon signals a significant political escalation, with the Vice President directly challenging the influence of powerful business figures allegedly operating with impunity.
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