Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent
SHURUGWI/HARARE – Outspoken former legislator Temba Mliswa has reportedly fled Zimbabwe for South Africa, according to sources speaking to Zim GBC News.
This development comes amid escalating political tensions and just days after his Shurugwi rural homestead was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack.
The fire, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning, destroyed property valued between US$120,000 and US$200,000. At the time of the incident, Mliswa, who also serves as headman of Mliswa Village, was not present at the property.
The former MP has been at the centre of political controversy following his recent public accusations against Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. In a leaked audio recording of a phone conversation with businessman Agrippa “Bopela” Masiyakurima, Mliswa alleged that Chiwenga is corrupt and under the influence of his wife, Miniyothabo Baloyi.
Mliswa also made headlines when he declared businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s natural successor, effectively sidelining Chiwenga’s presidential prospects.
“The person who is going to take over from Mnangagwa is someone he trusts, who will protect his interests, Tagwirei,” Mliswa stated in the recording, defending his changed stance towards the previously criticised businessman.
Responding to the attack on his property, Mliswa took to social media platform X, stating,
“I have always known that corruption fights back and am prepared for everything. Last night they sneaked and burnt my house in Shurugwi all because I asked for accountability and transparency. Thank God no one was hurt.”
In another defiant post, he wrote:
“They came & broke into my car but I’m not one to fear or be intimidated by these theatrics. Ndakatofukwa naMwari neMidzimu. Whoever does anything it will also find him… Sending thugs won’t work. We move!”
The blaze, which destroyed one bedroom hut, was first noticed by a resident maid shortly after midnight. One occupant reported hearing a vehicle pass nearby approximately 30 minutes before the fire was discovered, by which time the hut was fully engulfed.
Authorities have launched investigations into the cause of the fire. A police spokesperson acknowledged the incident and confirmed that investigators were treating the matter seriously, though no arrests have been made.
Political analysts suggest the attack and Mliswa’s subsequent departure highlight the intense power struggles within ZANU-PF, particularly regarding succession politics and the balance of influence between the Mnangagwa-Tagwirei faction and the Chiwenga camp.
Mliswa has vowed that the incident will not deter his campaign for transparency and accountability in government, reiterating his commitment to exposing corruption despite the apparent risks.
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