Muchinguri-Kashiri Slams Cyberbullies Targeting Her Children

Defence Minister and Zanu PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has hit back at critics she accuses of targeting her family and those of other government officials for supporting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s continued leadership.

Speaking in an interview, Muchinguri-Kashiri condemned what she described as cyber-bullying and personal attacks directed at her children on social media, saying such behaviour would not silence her.

She said the harassment began after she publicly declared during a national prayer gathering in Mutare that President Mnangagwa remained the best person to lead the country.

“I normally don’t respond to social media noise,” she said. “But this time, they have gone too far by attacking our children. Why drag innocent children into political matters? Those doing this must be under the influence of drugs.”

She added that some of her fellow ministers had also reported similar experiences and had since advised their families to be cautious.

“People have become malicious,” she said. “They want to silence us, but they will not. My daughter knows her values and what is right. We’ve even told our children to avoid going out too often for their safety.”

Muchinguri-Kashiri described online critics as “lazy people” who use social media as a weapon. “The President has said he dislikes lazy people — and that’s exactly what we’re seeing online. These people are idle and destructive,” she said.

Her comments come amid reports alleging that one of her children was linked to criminal activity — claims she dismissed as baseless attempts to smear her family.

The Defence Minister also dismissed speculation of deep divisions within Zanu PF, insisting that the party’s leadership remained united behind Mnangagwa. “There is unity in Zanu PF. The leadership stands together,” she said.

Political analyst Tatenda Chakari supported Muchinguri-Kashiri’s stance, saying that personal attacks on family members were unacceptable. “Her daughter is a private citizen who deserves respect and protection. Political disagreements should remain focused on ideas, not individuals,” he said.

Another analyst, Rejoice Ngwenya, said Muchinguri-Kashiri’s concerns were understandable given the factional nature of Zanu PF politics.

Manicaland province, where Muchinguri-Kashiri hails from, has in recent months shown signs of internal tensions and power struggles, with some party affiliates accused of operating outside official channels.

Earlier this year, provincial chair Tapiwa Mukodza warned members against factional networks such as Boys DzaMudhara, which have been accused of meddling in party affairs.

Leadership contests, including the June 2025 provincial women’s league elections, also revealed underlying divisions, despite repeated calls for unity from the party’s top leadership.

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Source-NewsDay