Zanu-PF is now a den of thieves

An 81-year-old former Zanu-PF Ward secretary from Mushagashe near Masvingo has publicly denounced the ruling party as a "den of thieves" and urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down to save Zimbabwe from further decline.

Aaron Pedzisai spoke to Masvingo Mirror, expressing deep frustration with the current leadership and a strong desire to address the president directly. "We are crying like Israelites in Egypt. Emmerson must step down. We need new leadership to free us," he said.

Pedzisai's concerns stem largely from the dire conditions faced by millions of Zimbabweans who have become economic refugees across the region and overseas. He described Mnangagwa as a great disappointment, especially given that he had supported him during the 2017 coup that brought him to power.

Having served as a ward secretary for Zanu-PF for many years, Pedzisai said he had witnessed the deterioration within the party. He recalled warning former First Lady Grace Mugabe against blocking Mnangagwa's rise to party leadership, hoping she would give him a chance. However, he said the current situation shows Mnangagwa has failed the country.

"What a big letdown. Emmerson must step down. We need new leadership that is able to free us. Our children in their millions have become economic refugees all over the world and many perish there. Let's change Mnangagwa so that we have someone who is a good leader - someone who is young, not old men like us. We need young leaders. Mnangagwa is doing nothing for the people and the truth is that my party is now a den of thieves. This is painful to the whole country," Pedzisai said.

His bold statement reflects growing dissatisfaction within some corners of the ruling party and among Zimbabweans frustrated with the country's ongoing political and economic challenges.