Mnangagwa's relative terrorizes sparking protest

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's relative, Albert Garikai Mnangagwa, is at the center of a storm in Mashonaland West province, where he is allegedly terrorizing villagers and grabbing a gold mine intended for Zanu-PF youths, according to sources.

Reports gathered by NewZimbabwe.com on Sunday claim that Albert Mnangagwa, with the help of an armed gang, stormed a lucrative gold mine project in Makonde district, which had been set aside for youths of the ruling party. The group is said to have looted precious minerals from the site, escalating tensions in the region.

Locals in the area have condemned Albert's actions, stating that his rogue behavior is not only threatening the livelihoods of villagers but is also tarnishing the reputation of President Mnangagwa and First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.

Authorities have reportedly been informed of the ongoing situation. Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo, Zanu-PF Provincial Chairman Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, and officials from the provincial police command and mining directorate have been alerted to the unfolding drama. However, there has been no public comment from the officials regarding the matter.

The gold mine dispute has turned the area into a virtual war zone, with reports of gunmen patrolling to instill fear among youths who are resisting the mine's takeover. A local youth, who requested to remain anonymous, staged a one-man protest in Makonde over the weekend, holding placards condemning Albert Mnangagwa's actions and calling for an end to the violence.

One placard read, "Gari A. Mnangagwa get out of Makonde, bvisa vanhu vako nepfuti dzako hatidi hondo. Usatipambe maini yema youth eMakonde. Wanyanya wajaira kupamba," which translates to "Get out of Makonde, remove your people and your guns, we don't want war. Don't grab youths' mine. You have gone rogue, and this is intolerable."

In a further show of defiance, another placard appealed directly to senior Zanu-PF leaders, including Vice Presidents Chiwenga and Mohadi, and National Chairman Muchinguri, urging them to intervene and protect the villagers. The protestor wrote: "Vakuru vedu vanoremekedzwa, baba VP vaChiwenga, baba VP vaMohadi, amai vaMuchinguri, tinunureiwo in Makonde, isu ma youths against Gari A. Mnangagwa and his brutal team" (Our respected leaders, VP Chiwenga, VP Mohadi, and Mama Muchinguri, save us in Makonde, we the youths are against Gari A. Mnangagwa and his brutal team).

The protestors further expressed their admiration for President Mnangagwa and First Lady Auxillia, asking for their help to stop the abuses by their relative. One placard read: "Baba vedu vaMnangagwa, we love you a lot naamai vedu First Lady. Tinunureiwo kuMakonde" (Our father Mnangagwa, we love you and First Lady, please help us in Makonde).

Efforts to obtain a response from police officials and representatives from the Ministry of Mines have so far been unsuccessful.

The growing unrest in Mashonaland West highlights rising concerns over political interference in local matters and the exploitation of resources meant for ordinary Zimbabweans, as villagers continue to demand accountability and an end to the alleged abuse of power.