Grace Mugabe divides Zimbabwe security sector

THE ongoing Zanu-PF purges of officials linked to former vice-president Joice Mujuru, which have been going on since October last year, have left Zimbabwe's security sector deeply divided.

Intelligence bosses say although divisions linked to Zanu-PF's succession politics have been there for many years, the dramatic entry of First Lady Grace Mugabe into politics ahead of the party's congress in December and the resultant purges of officials linked to Mujuru had widened cracks and fuelled suspicions in the security establishment.

The officers say because of the strategic importance of having the support of the security sector, clashes between the two main Zanu-PF factions before congress, one led by Mujuru and the other by Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, have spilt into the intelligence services.

"As a starting point, the First Lady's entry into politics took many people by surprise, but the greater shock was the way she publicly attacked and denigrated Mujuru, who at the time was the VP. At one point the intelligence decided to advise her against the attacks because the feeling was that she was going too far," said a senior intelligence officer.

Another officer said that in the top ranks of the security sector it was common cause "which officers were in which camp".

Among the top securocrats, Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander Constantine Chiwenga is believed to be close to Mnangagwa, while Central Intelligence Organisation Director-General Happyton Bonyongwe, Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri and Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Perrence Shiri are believed to be pro-Mujuru.