Published: 19 September 2025

Factional tensions within the ruling Zanu-PF party have reportedly escalated, with sources claiming that individuals impersonating State security agents are targeting members and leaders opposed to the proposed extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure beyond 2028.

The party is divided over the "2030 agenda," a push by some supporters to extend Mnangagwa's presidency in contravention of the constitutional two-term limit. Mnangagwa has reiterated that he intends to step down in 2028.

Amid the infighting, some members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) have reportedly refused to participate in the succession push, saying they are awaiting guidance from the President. A recent ZNLWVA meeting in Victoria Falls saw national executive members agree that succession battles, including the 2030 agenda, distract from the association's core mandate of advancing the welfare of war veterans.

Sources allege that the stance taken by ZNLWVA national secretary-general Sam Parerenyatwa has made him a target. Parerenyatwa is reported to have suffered attacks on his farm in Centenary and mining operations in Guruve, with losses including mining and farming equipment.

Parerenyatwa allegedly resisted chanting the "ED2030" slogan at a rally in Bindura and is said to wield influence over other veterans, a factor that has reportedly made him a focus for party functionaries aligned with the extension push.

According to insiders, groups claiming to act on orders from "high offices" mobilised youths to attack Parerenyatwa's farm and mining ventures. In one incident on 19 July, at least 13 assailants reportedly attacked workers at his Guruve mine, prompting them to seek refuge at the local police station, where assistance was allegedly denied.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi dismissed claims of official complicity. He stated that investigations showed Parerenyatwa and his late partner, Alexander Chiwara, were conducting mining activities without the necessary environmental permits, which led to legal action. Chiwara died in August 2025 due to blood pressure-related complications, and the police say arrests related to his activities have been made.

Nyathi further clarified that the police are unaware of any involvement of the President's Office in the reported attacks and emphasised that land and mining disputes are handled by the relevant ministries. He urged all parties to provide evidence for police investigation and insisted that ZNLWVA members' mining activities must comply with the law.

Parerenyatwa declined to comment on the allegations when contacted.
- Newsday