Eemergence of mafia groups alarm Zimbabweans

Zimbabwe is entering a troubling phase marked by lawlessness and informal authoritarianism, analysts warn, following the emergence of vigilante groups targeting critics of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Last week, a Zanu-PF-affiliated group calling itself the "Presidential Mafia" released a video threatening to harm government critic Munyaradzi Shoko, the former leader of the Children of War Veterans of Zimbabwe Association. In the footage, one member is seen wearing regalia reminiscent of the once-feared National Youth Service graduates. The group warned that its members are present across the country and ready to act against anyone criticizing the President.

The appearance of the Presidential Mafia comes after Zanu-PF political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha publicly disowned another vigilante outfit, the Zimbabwe Anti-Presidential Criticism, which has also been targeting Mnangagwa's critics.

Australia-based analyst Reason Wafawarova described the rise of such groups as deeply concerning. He said they operate as political opportunists, exploiting a system that rewards loyalty over competence and noise over principle. "These groups claim to defend the dignity of the Presidency, but in reality, they degrade it," Wafawarova said. "They reduce constitutional authority to street-level bullying and replace law with loyalty contests."

Tendai Ruben Mbofana, another analyst, said the open activities of these vigilante groups signal a dangerous erosion of the rule of law. "No political party or President should be shielded by informal gangs. When such groups operate publicly, it indicates that power is relying on fear and intimidation rather than institutions," he said. Mbofana warned that if unchecked, the trend could normalize proxy repression, where citizens are policed by unofficial actors despite the existence of democratic institutions.

Rahsweat Mukundu echoed the concerns, urging political leadership to prevent the rise of criminalized political entities. "The State must operate on the basis of laws. Allowing groups of violence to emerge under political cover risks pushing the country into chaos," Mukundu said.

Analysts unanimously agree that Zimbabwe must confront these vigilante outfits decisively to preserve democratic freedoms, protect citizens, and maintain the integrity of constitutional governance.