Uebert Angel defends Chiwenga amid Zanu PF tensions

Zimbabwe's Presidential Envoy and Ambassador-at-Large, Prophet Uebert Angel, has publicly defended Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, condemning what he described as disrespectful attacks against the former army commander amid growing political tensions within Zanu PF.

Delivering a sermon at his Spirit Embassy church on Sunday, Angel warned against personal attacks on the Vice-President, arguing that political criticism should not become an excuse for contempt towards national leaders.

His remarks come against the backdrop of reported tensions between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Chiwenga over the ruling party's political future and leadership succession.

The tensions have become increasingly visible following disagreements at the recent Zanu PF Annual National People's Conference in Chinhoyi, where differences between senior party figures attracted public attention.

Angel's sermon, which was broadcast online, quickly generated debate after video clips circulated widely across social media platforms.

The preacher insisted that while Zimbabweans were entitled to criticise political leaders, such criticism should be expressed respectfully.

He described "contempt masquerading as criticism" as "diabolic and evil", warning against what he regarded as deliberate attempts to humiliate public officials.

Angel argued that Mnangagwa's decision to appoint Chiwenga as Vice-President deserved respect, saying citizens should acknowledge the President's choice rather than engage in personal attacks against his deputy.

He urged Zimbabweans to respect Chiwenga's position and allow him to discharge his responsibilities.

The preacher also appeared to address the controversy surrounding Chiwenga's former wife, Marry Mubaiwa, whose recent interview included serious criticism of the Vice-President.

Angel cautioned his followers against aligning themselves with individuals publicly attacking Chiwenga, specifically referring to Mubaiwa.

His intervention has drawn attention because of his own position as a presidential envoy and his association with the country's political leadership.

The remarks also come as Chiwenga and Mubaiwa remain embroiled in a prolonged and highly publicised legal dispute stemming from the breakdown of their marriage.

Their separation has been accompanied by criminal allegations, contested court proceedings and accusations that have attracted considerable public interest.

Mubaiwa previously faced allegations that she attempted to interfere with Chiwenga's life-support equipment during his serious illness in 2019. She has denied the accusations.

The case has experienced repeated delays, including complications arising from changes in judicial officers and disputes over the continuation of proceedings.

A Harare magistrate recently declined a further postponement, with the matter reportedly facing a retrial following the appointment of a new presiding magistrate.

Chiwenga's health crisis in 2019 saw him undergo extensive medical treatment in South Africa, India and China after developing serious complications affecting his oesophagus.

His prolonged hospitalisation became the subject of intense public speculation, including unproven claims of poisoning.

Mubaiwa, meanwhile, has experienced serious health difficulties of her own, including the amputation of her right arm and left leg.

She has also publicly raised concerns about her legal battles, access to her children and difficulties obtaining medical treatment outside Zimbabwe.

The former couple's disputes have continued to attract attention because of Chiwenga's political influence and the serious nature of the allegations involved.

Angel's sermon followed another controversy involving an alleged prophecy or curse predicting Chiwenga's death, which had circulated on social media in recent weeks.

The origins and credibility of those claims remain unclear.

Although Angel did not explicitly endorse either side in Zanu PF's reported succession disputes, his strong defence of Chiwenga has attracted attention in a political environment where public statements about senior leaders are increasingly scrutinised.

His remarks have added a religious dimension to the debate surrounding Chiwenga, with the preacher urging respect for the Vice-President at a time when the ruling party's internal political relationships remain under intense public examination.