Mnangagwa deeply worried, cancels UN trip and FIRES senior bodyguard as his helicopter crashes… Why Chiwenga didn’t attend

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s decision to cancel his trip to the United Nations at the last minute has sparked speculation of rising tensions within Zimbabwe’s ruling elite.

The cancellation came just days after a helicopter meant to transport him crashed in Masvingo shortly after takeoff, leaving many wondering if the incident was a deliberate attempt to harm the president.

Mnangagwa was not on board the helicopter when it crashed, but the incident has reportedly shaken his inner circle, leading to a wave of paranoia and security concerns.

The president was in Masvingo to celebrate his birthday, but Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who is said to be opposed to Mnangagwa’s push for a third term, was notably absent from the event.

Sources close to Chiwenga say he chose to attend the baptism of his children instead, as his camp had not received an official invitation to the controversially dubbed “Munhumutapa Day” celebrations.

The cancellation of the UN trip has further fuelled speculation of a power struggle within the ruling Zanu PF party. Sources say the decision to cancel the trip came soon after the helicopter crash, and the subsequent firing of a top security aide, Colonel Tera, has only added to the sense of unease, The Standard has reported.

“The news that the president was no longer travelling was received with a lot of dejection because those who were already in New York were hoping that his delegation would bring with them their allowances,” said a source.

“The UN General Assembly has always provided an opportunity for rich pickings for those providing close security to the president, senior government officials and journalists from the state-controlled media. A lot of them were taken by surprise and the explanation that the president cancelled the trip because of a busy schedule was not convincing. It has left many people disappointed because there would be no rich pickings this time.”

The UN trip was meant to be a platform for Mnangagwa to address the world on the theme of “Leaving no one behind,” a mantra he often uses. This theme is particularly relevant given the current global landscape, with world leaders gathering to discuss solutions to interconnected challenges such as peace, security, and sustainable development.

The UN General Assembly is seen as a crucial platform for global leaders to engage on these issues, and Mnangagwa’s absence has raised questions about his commitment to international engagement.

Sources say there was paranoia among Mnangagwa’s aides and loyalists after the helicopter crash, with top security officials feeling uncertain about their future.

“The firing of such a high ranking bodyguard came as a shock to many. This marks the beginning of possible shakes and purging among the top security officers. The future of several chefs hangs in the balance,” said a source.

The helicopter, carrying only crew members, experienced a technical fault before crash-landing, according to Information minister Jenfan Muswere. However, the incident has added to the growing list of security breaches targeting the president and his family, leading to a heightened sense of anxiety within the ruling party.

In June this year, Mnangagwa ordered a comprehensive investigation into a series of security breaches targeting him and his family, including the reopening of the stalled probe into the 2018 grenade attack at White City Stadium that nearly claimed his life.

In March, Mnangagwa sacked air force chief Elson Moyo after he was forced to abort landing at Victoria Falls International Airport because of an emailed bomb scare by someone signing off as “John Doe”.

In July this year, reports said police launched an investigation after Mnangagwa’s plane flying him home from Mozambique was targeted by someone using lasers to blind pilots on approach to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

President Mnangagwa instructed police chief Godwin Matanga to leave no stone unturned in identifying the perpetrators, convinced that the incidents are interconnected.

“He wants answers from the security arms of the state, starting with unravelling what happened at White City,” revealed a source privy to the developments.

The White City Stadium attack occurred during a Zanu PF rally in 2018. Two Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) agents were killed and 47 others, including Vice President Kembo Mohadi and Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri, were injured. The grenade, lobbed at the VIP tent as Mnangagwa exited the stage, narrowly missed the president, ricocheting off a tent mounting and changing direction, according to witnesses.

Mnangagwa, who has previously claimed to know the identity of those behind the attack, has now ordered a renewed investigation, highlighting his determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Adding to the president’s anxieties are a series of recent incidents, including the targeting of his aircraft on July 12th. As Mnangagwa’s plane was returning from Mozambique, individuals attempted to blind the pilots using lasers as the aircraft approached Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

Just days prior, bizarre break-ins occurred at the private homes of the president and his son, Deputy Finance Minister David Mnangagwa, as well as the government office of his nephew, Deputy Tourism Minister Tongai Mnangagwa.

These incidents, coupled with a March bomb scare at Victoria Falls International Airport, where Mnangagwa was forced to abort landing due to an emailed threat from someone signing off as “John Doe,” have fuelled a sense of unease within the president’s inner circle.

This is the first time Mnangagwa will not be attending the UN Assembly since taking power in 2017. The only time he has not gone to the annual summit since becoming president was in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid-19.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary Nick Mangwana referred The Standard to the presidential spokesperson George Charamba when asked about Mnangagwa cancelling his travel to the UN.

“Talk to the presidential spokesperson. He speaks for the president,” Mangwana said.

Charamba’s phone rang unanswered up to the time of print. On Friday, Charamba issued a statement announcing Mnangagwa’s decision to skip the summit saying Foreign minister Fredrick Shava would read the president’s speech at the UN.