In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s political landscape, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s closest business allies, Kudakwashe Tagwireiand Wicknell Chivayo, of looting a staggering US$3.2 billion from ZANU-PF party coffers.
According to a dossier reportedly tabled during a high-stakes ZANU-PF Politburo meeting on 17 September, Chiwenga claims that Tagwirei siphoned US$1.9 billion through state-linked mining and finance deals, including the controversial 35 % “sale” of Kuvimba Mining House. He alleges that the party’s stake in Sakunda Holdings, supposedly held through Mvuto Investments, has yielded no dividends, with the funds diverted into private hands.
Chiwenga also accuses flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo of misappropriating tens of millions of dollars — including US$45 million allegedly linked to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission contracts — and of using vehicles and cash handouts to influence party structures ahead of the 2025 political season. The Vice-President is said to have formally demanded the arrest of Tagwirei, Chivayo, Scott Sakupwanya, and Delish Nguwaya, accusing them of capturing party and state structures for personal gain.
In response, President Mnangagwa has reportedly established a committee led by Obert Mpofu, Oppah Muchinguri, and Patrick Chinamasa to investigate the claims. However, critics have raised questions about the independence of the inquiry, noting that several committee members are closely aligned with the accused.
These explosive allegations come amid deepening ZANU-PF factional battles and speculation over Mnangagwa’s succession and the so-called “2030 Agenda”, which some believe is aimed at extending his rule. While the accused businessmen have denied any wrongdoing, calling their operations legal and transparent, the political stakes are at an all-time high.
Observers warn that the outcome of this power struggle could reshape Zimbabwe’s political and economic future. Whether the accusations will lead to actual arrests or fade into political theater remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: the gloves are off inside ZANU-PF.
