HARARE – The resurfacing of an earlier private audio recording between activist Rutendo Matinyarare and former Norton MP Temba Mliswa continued to ripple through Zimbabwe’s political circles on Friday, as Mliswa confirmed he had filed a criminal complaint against Matinyarare over the leak.
The audio, believed to date from conversations around 2022 or 2023, gained fresh traction this week after Matinyarare released or highlighted segments in which Mliswa sharply criticises President Emmerson Mnangagwa and describes ZANU-PF as a “sinking ship” ahead of future elections.
In the recording, Mliswa states that Mnangagwa does not control key provinces and predicts internal party fighting will target the president. He also discusses the potential for a more inclusive post-ZANU-PF government and the possible emergence of a “third force” in politics. Political observers noted that while the content is not new, its re-emergence has reignited debate over trust, recording ethics, and factional loyalties within ZANU-PF at a time when constitutional proposals like CAB3 and succession questions remain contentious. Matinyarare, who has been vocal in his opposition to certain constitutional changes while advocating against sanctions, defended the release by claiming he holds additional recordings from meetings with Mliswa, including in Sandton.
He has accused Mliswa of privately disparaging the president and key figures while maintaining other public stances.
Mliswa responded by laying a formal criminal complaint with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, according to reports and statements circulating on Thursday and Friday.
He has characterised the leaks as a betrayal of private conversations.
The feud underscores deeper fractures: Mliswa, a former ZANU-PF insider known for his independent streak, and Matinyarare, who has shifted between activism, anti-sanctions work, and recent public apologies to figures including the First Lady.
Sources close to both men suggest their relationship deteriorated after earlier discussions on politics, sanctions, and payments.
No immediate comment came from State House or senior ZANU-PF officials.
Social media reactions split along familiar lines, with some praising Mliswa’s candour and others criticising the public airing of private talks as damaging to political discourse.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have not yet confirmed receipt or action on the complaint. The story continues to develop as more voices weigh in on the implications for opposition unity and ruling party stability.