Mnangagwa impersonator wreaks havoc in Chiredzi, ZRP accused of failing to act

Residents in parts of Chiredzi district say they are living in fear following a series of violent incidents allegedly committed by a local man who claims to act on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the First Family.

The man, identified by community members as **Godknows Ganyani**, is accused of intimidating residents, damaging property and disrupting community projects while boasting that he is "untouchable" because of alleged political connections.

"We are scared to resist the inhumane treatment by Ganyani, who claims he has strong connections with the First Family," one resident told this publication on condition of anonymity. "Even when we report him to the police, they tell us they are scared to arrest him."

Another resident alleged that Ganyani had hired thugs to set a sugarcane plantation on fire and had destroyed solar projects, vehicles and other community property. Victims say several cases have been reported to the police, but no arrests have been made.

"They have nowhere to report or seek refuge. The man knows no law or respect for humanity or community infrastructure," another villager said.

Residents who spoke to Bulawayo24 News said the pattern of alleged violence has left communities feeling helpless, with some claiming that police officers have openly admitted they fear taking action against him.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has not issued a public statement confirming the incidents or responding to allegations of interference. Efforts to obtain comment from the ZRP Masvingo provincial spokesperson were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

The Office of the President and Cabinet has also not commented on the matter.

Under Zimbabwean law, impersonating a state official or falsely claiming to act on behalf of the President is a criminal offence. Threats, assault and malicious damage to property are also prosecutable offences regardless of any alleged political affiliation.

Legal experts say that if the allegations are true, the courts are the proper forum to test the claims, adding that no individual is exempt from prosecution simply by claiming political connections. They emphasise that the law applies equally to all citizens.