Chris Mutsvangwa mocks retired army generals, says Mnangagwa has now put military department in safe hands, breathes fire at Blessed Geza

Harare – Zanu-PF national spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa has lauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent reshuffle of Zimbabwe’s security leadership as a “masterstroke” that thwarted individuals who mistakenly believed they were “anointed to lead and own the Zimbabwe National Army.” Mutsvangwa’s remarks also included a thinly-veiled rebuke of internal party dissenters, and a mocking dismissal of war veteran Blessed Geza’s recent calls for mass protests.

The comments come after Mnangagwa’s abrupt overhaul of security chiefs ahead of the March 31 protests, which were called by Geza to demand accountability for alleged graft within government ranks and to condemn worsening living conditions.

In a perceived pre-emptive move, Mnangagwa replaced army commander Lieutenant General (Rtd) Anselem Sanyatwe with Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu. Sanyatwe was then appointed Sports minister, replacing International Olympic Committee president-elect Kirtsy Coventry. Before Sanyatwe’s retirement, Mnangagwa had also changed the chiefs of the President’s Department, commonly known as the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), and the police.

According to Mutsvangwa, this shake-up ensured that the State security apparatus was “in safe hands.”

“I would like to congratulate President Mnangagwa, who made sure that the State apparatus was in safe hands by making dramatic changes to the security leadership ahead of March 31,” Mutsvangwa said at a Harare Press conference yesterday. “The new security leadership proved its loyalty to the President and its respect for the Constitution.”

In just three months, Mnangagwa has appointed new bosses for the police, army, and the CIO. In January, Stephen Mutamba was appointed police commissioner-general, replacing Godwin Matanga, who was retired. Former Parks boss Fulton Mangwanya was appointed CIO chief in the same month, replacing Isaac Moyo.

Mutsvangwa’s remarks also included a thinly-veiled rebuke of internal party dissenters. “There are people who think they are anointed to lead Zimbabwe and believe they own the national army,” he said.

While he did not name individuals, analysts suggest the comments may be referring to Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, whom he accuses of demanding to be anointed Mnangagwa’s successor. Zanu-PF is currently divided over plans to extend Mnangagwa’s tenure by two years when his constitutionally-mandated two terms end in 2028. Mnangagwa has insisted that he will retire at the end of his tenure, but loyalists are reportedly working towards extending his term so that he can “complete his vision.”

Geza, once a staunch Zanu-PF loyalist, has become an outspoken critic, accusing Mnangagwa’s government of betraying the ideals of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. Geza and his supporters have also called on Mnangagwa to pass the baton to Chiwenga.

Despite Geza’s mobilisation efforts, the protests were largely stifled by a heavy security presence, roadblocks, and alleged intimidation of activists. Rights groups condemned the clampdown, accusing authorities of violating constitutional freedoms.

Political observers argue that Mnangagwa’s reshuffle of the security chiefs reflects both a strategy to neutralise dissent and a deepening reliance on military loyalty amid growing unrest.

“This was about consolidating control,” said political analyst Pardon Taodzera. “The administration is wary of any challenge, even from within its historical allies like war veterans.”

Speaking after Mnangagwa’s decision to retire Sanyatwe, political analyst Eldred Masunungure said the move was part of Mnangagwa’s “coupproofing’ which started sometime in December and accelerated in January this year.

Addressing Geza directly, Mutsvangwa dismissed him as a “daydreamer.”

According to Mutsvangwa, President Mnangagwa is not going anywhere. “President Mnangagwa has taken steps to address the challenges faced by minorities in Zimbabwe, including the marginalization of war veterans,” he stated.

He continued, “On March 31, 2025, a person was seen in a military uniform, attempting to present themselves as a savior, but this was nothing more than a farce. Zimbabweans are not interested in such events.”

Mutsvangwa further highlighted ongoing developments in the country, saying, “New lithium plants and towns are being established, creating opportunities for job growth and instilling hope in the youth. The diaspora also sees promise in President Mnangagwa’s efforts. He is making significant contributions to the development of Zimbabwe.”

He also took a jab at Geza, asserting, “People want confidence in a leader before they follow him, then Geza expected people to follow him. Maybe it is those behind him who gave him courage. You cannot just wake up thinking you can change a government in Africa, things and systems have changed.”

Concluding his remarks, Mutsvangwa said, “President Mnangagwa will continue to govern and rule Zimbabwe. Anarchy has been defeated and shamed. His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa remains in power and power is with him.”