VP Chiwenga Is Being Misinformed: Mliswa Warns That Power From The Army Does Not Translate To Politics

Mliswa Warns Chiwenga Army Power Does Not Translate To Politics

In an extraordinary public intervention, former Independent Member of Parliament for Norton, Temba Mliswa, has issued a stark warning to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, alleging that the former army general is being dangerously misinformed by his advisors about the realities of political power. Mliswa warned that Vice President Chiwenga is being ill-advised by individuals who do not understand the distinction between military and political influence.

A Warning Against Misguided Counsel

Writing on his X account on 23 September 2025, Mliswa opened fire on what he described as reckless advice being fed to Chiwenga. He insisted that the ruling party, ZANU-PF, was far larger than any single individual, including the Vice President.

“It is deeply regrettable that certain individuals are leading VP Chiwenga down a perilous path of misinformation,” Mr. Mliswa stated. “While I maintain that opposing corruption is commendable, such opposition should not come at the expense of undermining the leadership or destabilizing the party.”

This public analysis follows a report which detailed a tense Politburo meeting where Vice President Chiwenga reportedly confronted President Emmerson Mnangagwa. According to Zimlive, Chiwenga accused businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei of siphoning billions of US dollars from a shadowy party investment and using the funds to capture Zanu PF structures.

The Political Arena Versus the Military Barracks

Mliswa went further, arguing that some of Chiwenga’s advisers were pushing him into believing that his military background automatically guaranteed him success in politics.

“Power from the Army does not seamlessly translate to the political sphere where mass appeal is fundamental,” Mr. Mliswa warned. “

Unfortunately, there are those who fail to grasp these critical distinctions, mistakenly believing that influence from one domain will effortlessly extend to another.”

In a chilling observation, Mliswa claimed some in Chiwenga’s camp believed he could resort to a coup if he felt frustrated by the political process.

“Again misleading counsel provided to VP suggests a naive belief that he can lead a coup should he feel discontented with the political landscape! Such a mindset is reckless and potentially treasonous,” Mliswa wrote.

He added that the presidency carried powers that far outweighed the office of the Vice President.

“The authority possessed [by the President] is profound as he has capacity to terminate one’s political life with relative ease,” he said.

‘Corruption fight must not be selective’

Mliswa also addressed the growing narrative that Chiwenga was under attack for targeting corruption. He stressed that while corruption must be fought, it should not be used selectively.

“Many are losing their minds alleging that VP Chiwenga is being fought because he is questioning Zvigananda or that we are defending them. That is tragically false. The point is fighting corruption can’t be done only at convenient political moments with victims selectively chosen,” he posted.

He drew attention to unresolved scandals that had rocked the country for years.

“Since President Mugabe we had Zvigananda. Who doesn’t know about diamond scandals in Chiadzwa involving the military? The famous US$15 billion (about R270 billion) missing scandal. Obert Mpofu got the moniker Lobengula allegedly owning the entire Vic Falls in shady ways. All this is corruption!” said Mliswa.

He recalled how Mpofu once refused to answer questions in Parliament, describing it as an infamous episode.

“We even called Mpofu to Parliament where he infamously refused to be asked questions. So the argument is not against fighting corruption but being selective when picking candidates for investigation. Let’s fight it and in doing so let’s focus on everyone,” he said.

Mliswa concluded his posts with a traditional warning in Shona.

“Kana anaShumba tataura tereresai mubate mashoko. Shumba Murambwi, vafambi vamadeko, vakafamba masikati vana vanozvipazhira. Icho ndichoo!”

The comments come at a time of escalating tensions in Zanu PF following Chiwenga’s clash with President Mnangagwa over allegations of looting and party capture.