Mliswa Says Chiwenga Must Target All Corrupt Actors, Not Just Mnangagwa Allies

Former ZANU PF Mashonaland West chairman Temba Mliswa has challenged Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to address the misconduct of some Chinese nationals if he is truly serious about fighting corruption in Zimbabwe.

Chiwenga recently presented a dossier at a ZANU PF Politburo meeting that named President Emmerson Mnangagwa loyalists, including Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Wicknell Chivayo.

Mliswa suggested that Chiwenga may be using corruption allegations as a political tool to position himself as Mnangagwa’s successor in 2028.

In a somewhat sarcastic plea, he urged the vice president to take action against the Chinese investors if he genuinely wants to tackle graft.

Chinese companies have repeatedly clashed with local communities over alleged environmental damage and the desecration of graves.

One notable case involves Shuntai Investments Private Limited, which is in dispute with Bryden Country School in Chegutu over the construction of a cement plant near the school.

The school has raised health concerns due to the factory’s proximity, and there are suspicions that the investor may be bribing authorities to bypass sanctions.

Despite a High Court order suspending construction, work at the site continues, lending weight to rumours that the company has political protection or is exchanging money to evade compliance.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mliswa called on Chiwenga to intervene in the standoff between Bryden Country School and the Chinese investor.

He said doing so would demonstrate that the vice president’s anti-corruption campaign is genuine and not just targeted at Mnangagwa’s allies. Said Mliswa:

“Hon VP can you assist on this problem with Bryden. I also have a child there. The Chinese can’t be preferred over us & our good education.

“As a leading light against corruption can you kindly deal with this Chinese issue which has been ignored as they are protected from high up.”

Mliswa also referred to the destructive activities by Chinese companies in Hurungwe, where they are defying a court order and continuing operations, putting local residents at risk of displacement. He said:

“I also have a Chinese problem in Rengwe with our 25-year lease under threat as a cartel in Gvt (government) wants to displace us & bring some Chinese.

“They are doing this despite a court order blocking that. I would appreciate your intervention very much. Fighting corruption starts now.”

Rengwe Conservancy is a wildlife conservation and tourism area in Zimbabwe, stretching across Hurungwe, Gokwe North, and Nyaminyami districts.

Mliswa said that while he supports Chiwenga’s fight against corruption, the former army chief shouldn’t use the issue to score political points against his rivals.

“I fully support VP Chiwenga’s rallying call but the fight against corruption should not be weaponised as a political gadget against rivals.

“That won’t produce results with national benefits but rather advance the agenda of a few.”