ZANU-PF heavyweights whose names feature on a sensational
audio clip of a conversation allegedly between business tycoon Kuda Tagwireyi
and Temba Mliswa which points to growing frustration with President Emmerson
Mnangagwa's leadership internally are all reluctant to speak about the
explosive scandal.
The audio recording of a telephone conversation between
Mliswa and Tagwireyi went viral on social media after it was leaked on Friday,
sparking allegations of state capture.
The two compare former president Robert Mugabe and
Mnangagwa, whom the Norton legislator claims is an aloof leader.
Mliswa also revealed that several bigwigs were not happy
that Mnangagwa was sidelining them in key appointments and the conversation
also insinuated that Tagwireyi was calling the shots in government.
Zanu-PF insiders said the issue was a hot potato in the
ruling party and bigwigs were unsure of Mnangagwa's reaction.
Patrick Chinamasa, the Zanu-PF spokesperson, yesterday
claimed that he had not listened to the audio.
"I will comment at the appropriate time after
listening to the audio," Chinamasa said.
The former Finance minister could neither deny nor confirm
that he spoke to Mliswa as the controversial legislator claims in the
recording.
Mliswa could be heard telling Tagwireyi that Chinamasa
confided in him that he was unhappy about being left out of Mnangagwa's
Cabinet.
The acting Zanu-PF spokesperson, who is one of the several
Zanu-PF bigwigs that were confined to the party's headquarters when Mnangagwa
formed his government two years ago, was said to have queried the appointment
of outsiders like Kirsty Coventry into Cabinet.
Jacob mudenda, the speaker of Parliament, whom Mliswa said
complained that Mnangagwa does not consult people like him before appointing
ministers, was coy when asked to respond to the revelations.
"I have no comment on that one," Mudenda curtly
said yesterday. "I have no comment."
Mnangagwa is described as a weak leader whose key
appointments to government lacked strategic considerations with Tagwireyi
suggesting that he needed an enforcer in his team.
Mliswa also revealed an alleged plot involving the head of
an anti-corruption unit in Mnangagwa's office, Thabani Mpofu, to arrest mDC
alliance leader Nelson Chamisa.
The former Zanu-PF Mashonaland west provincial chairman has
not commented directly on the audio, but yesterday made reference to a scandal
that had set social media alight.
"Wow! in between the water initiative in Shurugwi and
a short time to rest these Twitter streets have been busy," he tweeted.
"Social media is awash. Never a dull moment! whilst interesting, as it seems
everyone loves a good scandal, it's not nation-building.
"It will, however, make for good reading in my
autobiography, let me hold publishing for its inclusion, thanks for the
contributions everyone, i can't wait to read it myself."
Mliswa was not picking calls yesterday.
Zanu-PF national commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, who is
another person Mliswa says observed Mnangagwa's penchant to sideline people
that helped him rise to power, was also evasive yesterday.
Kasukuwere said he was busy and promised to speak to The Standard
later", but did not honour the pledge.
Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said those featured
in the recording were better placed to comment about it.
"This is not government business," Mutsvangwa
said. "if there is an audio [and] you have identified speakers, maybe the
best is for you to ask them."
A senior Zanu-PF official, however, said the audio gave a
glimpse of the power struggles in the ruling party and government.
"The audio is a tip of the iceberg,"the official
said. "There are serious divisions over Mnangagwa's
leadership style."
The official said the leaked audio would ensure the fights
exploded into the public soon.
This followed the sacking of Fortune Chasi as energy
minister with Tagwireyi indicating in the audio that he influenced the
decision.
Mliswa and Tagwireyi also criticised the appointment of
Soda Zhemu to replace Chasi and Anxious Masuka, who took over from the late
Perrance Shiri as agriculture minister.
Mliswa sounded anxious that there were plans to arrest
Chasi for alleged corruption, but Tagwireyi is heard assuring him that the
Mazowe South MP would never be arrested. Standard
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