Mnangagwa critic arrested in US$10,000 trap

Prominent political activist and outspoken critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Malcom Masarira - widely known as Traore - was arrested in Harare on Friday after being trapped in a police sting operation allegedly involving US$10,000.

Masarira, who has been spearheading an online campaign supporting Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga's potential presidential bid, faces multiple charges including incitement to violence and attempting to undermine a constitutional government.

Sources close to the investigation said Masarira was apprehended following a coordinated setup involving his close associate, Lovemore Thomson, popularly known as Shorty, who reportedly lured him with the US$10,000. Masarira was arrested shortly after what police described as a "spending spree" in the capital and is currently being held at Harare Central Police Station.

Thomson, however, has denied involvement in the alleged sting operation.

"I am told there are people saying I was given US$10,000. They just want to tarnish my image - these are dogs. I am not a bogus person," he said. "I cannot defend myself now because they just want to tarnish my image."

Masarira's arrest comes amid growing tension within Zanu PF, where internal divisions have deepened over a push to extend Mnangagwa's rule beyond 2028. His vocal criticism of the government - particularly allegations implicating Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri's daughter in drug distribution - is believed to have drawn the ire of state security agencies.

Muchinguri-Kashiri recently condemned Masarira publicly during an interview with NewsDay, calling for his arrest - a rare move that analysts say signals an escalating crackdown on dissent within the ruling elite.

Confirming the arrest, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
"Yes, he has been arrested. I am out of office at the moment, I could have given you details or you can go to the courts where he is appearing."

Masarira, who returned to Zimbabwe recently from South Africa, once contested in the Zanu PF primary elections for the Chikanga constituency before turning to social media activism. His "General Chiwenga for President" movement has gained thousands of online followers, complicating the State's handling of his growing influence.

His arrest has triggered concern among supporters, some of whom fear government retaliation and are distancing themselves from the unfolding case.

Zanu PF remains divided over Resolution No. 1, adopted at the party's recent national people's conference in Mutare, which calls for Mnangagwa's term extension to 2030. The party's legal affairs department, led by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, has been tasked with initiating constitutional steps to implement the resolution - despite Mnangagwa's earlier indication that he intends to step down in 2028.

Masarira's detention, analysts say, underscores both the fragile state of internal party politics and the government's growing unease with pro-Chiwenga activism ahead of the 2028 elections.