Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent
HARARE – A bitter war of words has erupted between former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa and a group of retired generals led by Air Marshal Henry Muchena, with Mliswa accusing the veteran military officer of playing a central role in the violence that followed Zimbabwe’s disputed 2008 elections.
The exchange comes as debate intensifies over the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which among other provisions seeks to extend the presidential term and the life of Parliament. The retired generals recently made submissions to Parliament opposing aspects of the Bill, drawing sharp criticism from Mliswa.
In a blistering response, Mliswa alleged that Muchena and other senior military figures were implicated in the violent aftermath of the 2008 electoral runoff, a period widely documented for widespread intimidation, human rights abuses, and the loss of over 200 opposition activists’ lives.
“These individuals carry the baggage of a checkered past, marked by violence inflicted upon countless innocents throughout the nation, a grim narrative chronicled in historical records,” Mliswa stated.
He detailed specific allegations against the retired military leaders.
“In 2009, the very same military leaders, including Muchena, faced accusations of orchestrating a brutal campaign to secure President Robert Mugabe’s hold on power during a contentious electoral runoff in June. The aftermath saw numerous villagers slain and thousands displaced,” Mliswa charged.
“By 2013, Muchena was at the helm of the Zanu-PF Commissariat alongside Sydney Nyanungo, allegedly overseeing a violent quasi-military operation dubbed ‘Operation Return to Zanu PF,’ wherein many were victimized.”
Mliswa argued that those now positioning themselves as defenders of constitutionalism had previously undermined democratic principles.
However, political observers noted that Mliswa’s remarks conspicuously did not reference President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was a cabinet minister at the time and took over as chairman of the Joint Operations Command (JOC) shortly after the 29 March 2008 elections, replacing Didymus Mutasa. Mnangagwa also served as Mugabe’s chief election agent and has faced accusations of using the JOC to orchestrate the violent campaign that secured Mugabe’s victory in the runoff.
The allegations have resurfaced as the retired generals issued a statement rebuking Mliswa for criticising their intervention in the constitutional reform process. The group described Mliswa’s earlier comments as “irresponsible” and “dangerous,” while defending their submission to Parliament as lawful and consistent with constitutional provisions.
The retired officials rejected criticism of their actions, maintaining that their engagement is driven by national interest. They have also dismissed suggestions that their intervention is politically motivated, insisting they remain committed to constitutionalism and the will of the people.
The group has called for a referendum on any proposed constitutional changes, arguing that such decisions must rest directly with citizens rather than being decided solely by Parliament.
The escalating exchange is unfolding against the backdrop of growing debate over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which has triggered sharp divisions within Zanu-PF itself and drawn reactions from various sectors of society, including civil society, war veterans, and now retired military figures.
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