Zimbabwe’s political landscape was shaken on Thursday after a leaked audio recording, released by businessman Bopela Masiyakurima, placed former ZANU PF legislator Temba Mliswa at the center of fresh controversy. In the recording, Mliswa is allegedly heard claiming that fuel tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei has “captured” the country’s military and is being strategically positioned as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s successor.
The revelations have intensified debate over the role of business elites in Zimbabwe’s politics, the independence of the armed forces, and the succession question within ZANU PF ahead of the 2028 elections.
In the audio, Mliswa asserts that Tagwirei — a businessman with close ties to Mnangagwa and often described as the ruling party’s biggest financier — has become the central figure in securing the loyalty of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).
According to Mliswa, the fleet of vehicles handed over to the ZDF last week did not originate from the state as officially presented but were in fact donated by Tagwirei. “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 is heard saying.
He went further, claiming that ZDF commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda “salutes Tagwirei” when the businessman passes by, highlighting what he described as the tycoon’s growing sway over the military hierarchy.
The recording suggests that Tagwirei has begun distributing at least 500 vehicles to officers ranging from commanders to majors, an act Mliswa described as “good politics” since mid-ranking officers are often decisive in moments of conflict.
Adding to the intrigue, the audio also captured Mliswa distributing bicycles to village heads, which he said had been donated by Tagwirei, reinforcing the perception of a well-funded grassroots campaign to consolidate influence.
Tagwirei Accused of Capturing Military in Explosive Mliswa Leak
Businessman Bopela Masiyakurima, who released the recording, said he captured the conversation after rejecting Mliswa’s alleged proposal to join a campaign in support of Tagwirei. According to Masiyakurima, the campaign promised money, vehicles, and business support for those who aligned themselves with Tagwirei’s interests.
“When I realised the money was coming with conditions, I refused. My morals and principles would not allow me to be a sell-out,” Masiyakurima said. He argued that the leak was intended to expose what he described as dangerous attempts to undermine democratic institutions by capturing both the military and traditional leadership structures.
Following the leak, Mliswa took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to accuse Masiyakurima of betrayal. He insisted that the businessman had acted in bad faith by publicizing only selective portions of the discussion.
“Next time, leak the whole conversation, not what you think are favourable portions,” Mliswa wrote. “I considered you a brother and friend, but clearly you had other motives.”
Mliswa did not directly deny the claims about Tagwirei’s influence, but he attempted to cast doubt on the motives behind the leak, framing it as a personal vendetta rather than a principled whistleblowing act.
The leaked audio comes against the backdrop of deepening speculation about succession in ZANU PF. While Mnangagwa has not publicly designated a successor, factional battles between allies of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and those aligned to Mnangagwa have long shaped internal power struggles.
Tagwirei, whose business empire spans fuel, mining, and banking, has often been accused by critics of wielding outsized influence over government decisions. His close association with Mnangagwa has earned him both political protection and international scrutiny. In 2020, he was sanctioned by the United States for allegedly corrupt dealings and profiteering from state contracts.
Mliswa himself has recently intensified attacks on Chiwenga, accusing the Vice President of hypocrisy for condemning corruption while ignoring questionable dealings among business elites linked to Mnangagwa. Some observers, however, believe Mliswa’s campaign against Chiwenga may be orchestrated. Outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza previously alleged that Mliswa was working at the behest of Mnangagwa and Tagwirei to weaken Chiwenga’s succession ambitions.
As the allegations continue to circulate, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have so far remained silent. Analysts say any suggestion that the armed forces are beholden to a private businessman threatens to erode public trust in one of the country’s most powerful institutions.
Independent political commentator Tendai Moyo said the revelations, if true, suggest a dangerous blurring of lines between state security and private wealth. “The idea that the military could be captured by a businessman is deeply troubling. It would mean decisions of national security are being shaped by private financial interests rather than the Constitution,” he said.
The leaked recording is likely to raise questions not only about Tagwirei’s influence but also about the state of succession politics within ZANU PF. If indeed Mnangagwa intends to position Tagwirei as his political heir, it would mark a dramatic departure from the traditional military-political elite who have dominated leadership since independence.
For now, both Tagwirei and General Sibanda have not publicly commented on the allegations. The silence has only fueled speculation, leaving Zimbabweans divided over whether the audio represents a genuine glimpse into the inner workings of power or another chapter in the political battles that dominate the ruling party.
What is clear is that the recording has once again placed Mliswa at the center of controversy, reinforcing his reputation as a political maverick unafraid of speaking bluntly — but also raising questions about his own motives and alliances.
Source- Bulawayo24
