Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Former ZANU PF MP Temba Mliswa has claimed that fuel tycoon and Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei has captured Zimbabwe’s military and is being lined up as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s successor.
Mliswa made the remarks in an audio recording of a private conversation with businessman Agrippa Bopela Masiyakurima, which was leaked on Thursday.
In the recording, Mliswa alleges that Mnangagwa has secured the armed forces’ loyalty through Tagwirei’s financial influence.
He claimed that hundreds of vehicles delivered to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) last week were not provided by the government, as the President suggested, but by Tagwirei. Mliswa is heard saying:
“Mnangagwa will leave someone he trusts to look after his interests, and that’s Kuda.
“There is no coup that will ever happen in Zimbabwe. Just check, military bosses were given 100 cars. Those are Kuda’s cars.”
Mliswa went on to claim that ZDF commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda “salutes Tagwirei” when he passes by.
He said at least 500 vehicles would be handed out not just to top commanders, but also to colonels, captains, and majors, describing it as “good politics” since mid-ranking officers are the ones who actually fight wars.
Mliswa also revealed that he had been travelling the country distributing bicycles donated by Tagwirei to village heads.
Masiyakurima said he decided to record the conversation after rejecting what he described as Mliswa’s offer to join a campaign backing Tagwirei, which allegedly came with promises of cash, vehicles, and support for his business. He said:
“When I realised the money was coming with conditions, I refused. My morals and principles would not allow me to be a sell-out.
“I just wanted to show Zimbabweans that Temba goes to the highest bidder. He has been recruited by Tagwirei to do smear campaigns against VP Chiwenga.”
Reacting to the leak, Mliswa accused Masiyakurima of betrayal. Posting on X, Mliswa said Masiyakurima had violated the trust of a private conversation. He wrote:
“As for you Bopela, I considered you a brother and friend and tried to help. We ate and took children to school together. Unfortunately you had other ideas to please who I don’t know.
“Next time, leak the whole conversation, not what you think are favourable portions.”
In recent weeks, Mliswa has escalated his attacks on Chiwenga, accusing him of double standards in how he condemns corruption among business elites linked to Mnangagwa.
Outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza has previously claimed that Mliswa’s campaign against Chiwenga is being backed by Mnangagwa and Tagwirei.
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