Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has called on Vice President (Retired) General Constantino Chiwenga to take a firm stand against the misconduct of certain Chinese investors operating in Zimbabwe.
Mliswa’s remarks come shortly after he openly threw his weight behind President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial bid to extend his presidency to 2030 — a move that has deepened divisions within Zanu PF. In a surprising turn, however, he also appeared to endorse Chiwenga’s leadership approach by urging him to confront alleged corruption involving Chinese nationals.
Chiwenga has repeatedly described corruption as a national security threat and recently presented a detailed report to the Zanu PF Politburo implicating prominent Mnangagwa allies such as Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Wicknell Chivhayo.
According to Mliswa, the vice president risks appearing selective in his anti-graft drive if he fails to address questionable activities linked to Chinese investors. He pointed specifically to Shuntai Investments (Pvt) Ltd, which is at loggerheads with Bryden Country School in Chegutu over the construction of a cement plant near the institution. The school has raised concerns about the health and safety risks posed by the factory’s location. Allegations have surfaced that the company is using bribes to bypass regulations.
Although a High Court ruling ordered a halt to construction, Shuntai has continued with the project, fuelling speculation that the firm enjoys protection from powerful figures. Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, has downplayed the controversy, insisting there is nothing inappropriate about the project’s location.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Mliswa — who once chaired Zanu PF in Mashonaland West — appealed to Chiwenga to intervene, noting that his own child attends Bryden. “Hon VP, can you assist with this problem at Bryden? The Chinese cannot be prioritized over us and our children’s education. If you are serious about fighting corruption, please deal with this matter which has been ignored because of political protection,” he wrote.
Mliswa also cited similar disputes in Hurungwe, accusing authorities of trying to push locals off land in Rengwe Conservancy to accommodate Chinese investors, despite an existing court order blocking such moves. “I too have a Chinese problem in Rengwe. Our 25-year lease is under threat as a cartel in government wants to displace us in favour of the Chinese. I would appreciate your intervention. Fighting corruption must start now,” he posted.
While expressing support for Chiwenga’s anti-corruption campaign, Mliswa warned against turning it into a political tool. “I fully support VP Chiwenga’s call, but the fight against corruption must not be weaponised against rivals. That only serves narrow interests and does not benefit the nation,” he added.
Mliswa has recently placed himself at the heart of Zanu PF’s succession politics, openly aligning with Mnangagwa’s faction while challenging Chiwenga to prove the sincerity of his crusade against corruption.
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