Leaked Audio Exposes Divisions Between President Mnangagwa, Deputy

A leaked audio recording featuring Zimbabwean First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa and Presidential Guard Infantry Battalion commander Samson Murombo has exposed growing divisions between the President and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga. 

The two have been rumoured to be at odds for some time, each struggling for control of the country’s security apparatus.

In the recording the First Lady is heard accusing Murombo of being part of a plot to topple the President by the military. Chiwenga was commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) when the military overthrew President Robert Mugabe in November 2017.

The country’s deteriorating economic status has left soldiers struggling and disgruntled.

Chiwenga is currently receiving treatment for an unknown illness in a South African hospital. On Friday Mnangagwa stated that his deputy was steadily improving. He has not appeared in public for several months.