President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s investments advisor Paul Tungwarara says he put his life on the line by allegedly exposing people in Zanu PF that were eyeing his position as the battle to succeed the 83-year-old ruler takes a sinister turn.
Tungwarara said there were individuals in the party who were not happy with a speech he made in Zimunya-Marange last week where he accused some people of using money to buy their way to the presidential office.
He did not mention anyone by name, but his remarks were interpreted to mean that they were directed at businessman Kudakwashe Tagwire who has previously been reported to have presidential ambitions.
Addressing Zanu PF supporters at Nyajezi Secondary School in Nyanga South, Manicaland province yesterday, Tungwarara said he was aware that he may have put his life at risk.
“I was in Manicaland last week and l spoke what l spoke though this did not go down well with some people with presidential ambitions,” he said.
“l did not speak about anyone, but l spoke about myself. What surprised me is that the internet awoke, and names were thrown around.
“I am ready to die today. We need order in the party. I do not fear anyone.”
Tungwarara said there were people who wanted to cause confusion in the party.
- Corruption Watch: Get scared, 2023 is coming
- Corruption Watch: Get scared, 2023 is coming
- Letters: Ensuring Africa’s food security through availability of quality seeds
- Is military's involvement in politics compatible with democracy?
Keep Reading
“I walked with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and learnt a lot from him,” he said.
“There are people who are surviving through extortion.
“If l had an accident today, it’s not that l have been killed, but it’s my time.
“l know where I am standing and where l am going. I am happy after what l said they are now coming out, but l did not speak about anyone.”
Tungwarara also spoke out against fake prophets whom he claimed had also come out attacking him over his statements attacking cash-rich individuals in Zanu PF eyeing Mnangagwa’s position.
“If you want to see eye-to-eye with me, don’t be a fake prophet,” he said.
“Let me tell you; I can pray alone and I know the Bible.”
Insiders alleged that he was referring to self-styled prophet Uebert Angel after he issued what he claimed is a prophecy surrounding Zanu PF’s succession.
Tungwarara has been recommended for co-option into the Zanu PF central committee by Manicaland province.
Nyanga North legislator Chido Sanyatwe said they were in support of Tungwarara’s co-option.
“l want to say to you Dr Tungwarara, God and your parents should bless you,” she said during the same event.
“We want to congratulate you for being recommended for co-option into the central committee.”
"In 2018 we swept all the wards and in 2023, wards were increased and we swept all the wards again; Nyanga is Zanu PF stronghold.”
Nyanga South MP lawmaker Supa Mandiwanzira added: “What you are doing district by district empowering the people has never been seen by the party”
Zanu PF Manicaland chairman Tawanda Mukodza said Zanu PF was united than before.
Tungwarara empowerment projects have so far taken him to seven districts, including Nyanga yesterday.
He has been giving each Member of Parliament US$25 000 each under the Presidential Constituency Development initiative.
So far, 23 constituencies have been given the money. Mnangagwa is supposed to step down when his term ends in 2028, but his loyalists want the constitution to be changed so that he hangs on top power for two more years.
The plot is said to be part of scheme to ensure that Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga does not become Zimbabwe’s next leader.
