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Mliswa leak claims Tagwirei captured Zimbabwe's military
2 hrs ago |
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A leaked audio recording released on Thursday by businessman Bopela Masiyakurima has thrust former Zanu-PF MP Temba Mliswa into the spotlight again, with the outspoken politician allegedly claiming that fuel tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei has "captured" Zimbabwe's military and is being positioned as President Emmerson Mnangagwa's successor.
In the recording, Mliswa is heard asserting that Mnangagwa has secured the armed forces' loyalty through Tagwirei's financial influence. He alleges that hundreds of vehicles distributed to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces last week originated from Tagwirei, not the government as officially claimed.
"Mnangagwa will leave someone he trusts to look after his interests, and that's Kuda. There is no coup that will ever happen in Zimbabwe. Just check, military bosses were given 100 cars. Those are Kuda's cars," Mliswa is heard saying.
Mliswa further alleges that ZDF commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda "salutes Tagwirei" when he passes by, highlighting the businessman's purported sway over the military hierarchy. He claimed that at least 500 vehicles would be distributed to commanders, colonels, captains, and majors, describing the move as "good politics," noting that mid-ranking officers are critical in any conflict. The recording also reveals Mliswa distributing bicycles donated by Tagwirei to village heads across the country.
Masiyakurima said he recorded the conversation after rejecting Mliswa's offer to join a campaign supporting Tagwirei, which allegedly came with promises of cash, vehicles, and business support. "When I realised the money was coming with conditions, I refused. My morals and principles would not allow me to be a sell-out," he said.
In response, Mliswa accused Masiyakurima of betrayal, writing on X that he had considered him a brother and friend. "Next time, leak the whole conversation, not what you think are favourable portions," he said.
Mliswa has recently intensified his attacks on Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, accusing him of double standards in condemning corruption among business elites linked to Mnangagwa. Outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza previously claimed that Mliswa's campaign against Chiwenga is sponsored by Mnangagwa and Tagwirei.
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces have not yet commented on the allegations.
In the recording, Mliswa is heard asserting that Mnangagwa has secured the armed forces' loyalty through Tagwirei's financial influence. He alleges that hundreds of vehicles distributed to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces last week originated from Tagwirei, not the government as officially claimed.
"Mnangagwa will leave someone he trusts to look after his interests, and that's Kuda. There is no coup that will ever happen in Zimbabwe. Just check, military bosses were given 100 cars. Those are Kuda's cars," Mliswa is heard saying.
Mliswa further alleges that ZDF commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda "salutes Tagwirei" when he passes by, highlighting the businessman's purported sway over the military hierarchy. He claimed that at least 500 vehicles would be distributed to commanders, colonels, captains, and majors, describing the move as "good politics," noting that mid-ranking officers are critical in any conflict. The recording also reveals Mliswa distributing bicycles donated by Tagwirei to village heads across the country.
Masiyakurima said he recorded the conversation after rejecting Mliswa's offer to join a campaign supporting Tagwirei, which allegedly came with promises of cash, vehicles, and business support. "When I realised the money was coming with conditions, I refused. My morals and principles would not allow me to be a sell-out," he said.
In response, Mliswa accused Masiyakurima of betrayal, writing on X that he had considered him a brother and friend. "Next time, leak the whole conversation, not what you think are favourable portions," he said.
Mliswa has recently intensified his attacks on Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, accusing him of double standards in condemning corruption among business elites linked to Mnangagwa. Outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza previously claimed that Mliswa's campaign against Chiwenga is sponsored by Mnangagwa and Tagwirei.
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces have not yet commented on the allegations.
Source - online
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