Military warned against capture by selfish elites

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have come under public scrutiny following warnings that the institution risks being captured by selfish elites seeking to use the military to entrench their hold on power.

The warning was issued by social media commentator Chipo Musarurwa Siziba, who posted a strongly worded message on X (formerly Twitter), urging the military to uphold its constitutional mandate.

"Dear Zimbabwe Defence Forces, a nation watches as you are reduced to a captured institution. You took an oath to protect the Constitution, to defend every inch of our borders, and to safeguard the dignity of Zimbabwean citizens," Musarurwa Siziba wrote.

"That oath was not ceremonial. It was sacred. Yet today, the people watch in disbelief as your institution is being dragged into the mud of political patronage and cartel-driven corruption."

She referenced recent claims made by former legislator Temba Mliswa, who in a leaked audio recording alleged that the ZDF has been compromised by powerful business interests - specifically naming businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei.

According to Mliswa, military vehicles and donations are being distributed at the behest of Tagwirei, bypassing constitutional channels. He further alleged that ZDF Commander Phillip Valerio Sibanda was seen saluting vehicles allegedly supplied by Tagwirei, raising questions about the independence of the armed forces.

"President Mnangagwa is ‘nothing without Tagwirei,' Mliswa claims, suggesting that executive decisions are being outsourced to private interests," Musarurwa Siziba posted.

"These are not idle accusations. They strike at the heart of national sovereignty. The ZDF has long been regarded as the backbone of Zimbabwe's stability. But when its image is tainted by allegations of cartel capture, the consequences are dire—public trust erodes, national unity fractures, and the Constitution is undermined."

She warned that if the military is perceived as beholden to corrupt elites, it risks becoming a tool of oppression rather than a neutral guardian of the people.

"This is not a partisan plea. It is a patriotic one," she said.

Musarurwa Siziba called on the ZDF to reaffirm its commitment to constitutionalism, transparency, and national service.

"If there are forces attempting to compromise your integrity, they must be exposed - not accommodated. The people of Zimbabwe are watching. They are asking: Will the ZDF remain silent as its name is dragged through the mud? Will it allow itself to be used as a delivery arm for political donations? Will it protect the Constitution or protect the corrupt?"

"History will judge this moment -- not by the weapons you carry, but by the courage you show in defending the truth."