CAB3: Chamisa accused of taking US$5m bribe

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has come under fresh scrutiny following unverified allegations that he was paid US$5 million to quit politics by controversial ZANU‑PF central committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei.

The claims were contained in what is said to be an intelligence report leaked on X (formerly Twitter) by an account run under the name Retired Lieutenant General Winston Sigauke Mapuranga. The post alleged that Tagwirei paid Chamisa to ensure he did not take a leading role in opposing the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3).

Mapuranga further claimed that the 2018 and 2023 presidential candidate deposited the money with a named Harare law firm for safekeeping and had already withdrawn US$4 million.

Chamisa's ally Jameson Timba is cited in the report as the supposed source of the information allegedly shared with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

"We make reference to Your Excellency's update dated 09 April 2026, which highlighted increasing pressure from within opposition ranks to remove Nelson Chamisa, citing his perceived inability to effectively challenge the ruling ZANU‑PF party and his hesitation to take a prominent stance against CAB No. 3," part of the leaked document reads.

The report also claims that Timba told an informant that Chamisa's "political relevance has effectively ended", and that the opposition leader moved part of the alleged funds after concerns were raised about possible violations of the Bank Use Promotion Act.

"Timba mentioned that Chamisa accepted US$5 million from ZANU‑PF Central Committee member Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei," the document alleges.

None of the individuals named — Chamisa, Tagwirei or Timba — have publicly responded to the claims, and the allegations remain unverified.

Mapuranga has been a vocal critic of ZANU‑PF on social media, particularly regarding the push to end direct presidential elections. The ruling party is seeking to extend President Mnangagwa's current term by two years under CAB3, while also proposing changes that would reduce the military's influence, allow traditional leaders to engage in politics and dissolve the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, among other reforms.

The proposed amendments have been widely rejected by many Zimbabweans at home and abroad, as well as by churches and opposition figures. Prominent leaders opposing the bill include Tendai Biti, Lovemore Madhuku, Job Sikhala, Jacob Ngarivhume and Jameson Timba, who formed the Defend the Constitution Platform.

Chamisa's silence on the bill has fuelled speculation, with critics questioning why he has not taken a public stance on a reform package that could effectively end his prospects of ever becoming president. Some have suggested he may have been incentivised not to oppose the bill — claims he has not addressed.

Last month, journalist and political analyst Jealousy Mawarire leaked an audio recording in which Chamisa allegedly proposed an alliance with Mnangagwa. Mawarire has also claimed that Chamisa was paid millions by Tagwirei in 2023 to take a political sabbatical and return in 2033 — allegations that remain unproven.

He further argued that this was why Chamisa did not challenge the 2023 presidential election results in court, despite insisting the polls were rigged. Mnangagwa announced his inauguration date while Chamisa was still within the legal timeframe to file an appeal.