Harare - The glaring absence of Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, along with several top ZANU PF and military heavyweights, at the extravagant wedding of businessman Kuda Tagwirei’s son, Taonanyasha John Tagwirei, to Poneso Tinomuda Janda has blown the lid off deepening cracks in the ruling party.
The high-profile ceremony, held on Sunday at the upscale Polo Club in Harare, was graced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa as guest of honour.
However, the no-shows by Chiwenga and Mohadi - who were also missing from Mnangagwa’s recent high-profile meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at his Precab Farm - have intensified speculation of a full-blown succession battle.
Both Vice Presidents have long harboured presidential ambitions, and insiders say the boycott signals open defiance against Mnangagwa’s reported push for a constitutional amendment to extend his rule until 2030.
Other notable absentees included retired Army General Anslom Nhamo Sanyatwe, Retired General PV Sibanda, and Retired Lieutenant General Winston Sigauke Maparunga.In a surprise twist, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume - elected on an opposition ticket - was spotted mingling with ZANU PF bigwigs, including controversial musician-prophet Passion Java.
The couple reportedly received over $20 million in cash gifts, plus a fleet of luxury cars and other lavish presents worth millions more. Social media exploded with reactions. One viral post declared: “The great divide is now obvious. It is now official - we have two camps in ZANU PF. The fake love and unity is history. They are all carrying daggers.”
Another account, Crime Watch, added fuel to the fire: “Instead of attending Kuda Tagwirei’s son’s wedding, Vice President Chiwenga and the RBZ Governor were reportedly spotted at Chivaraidze Farm yesterday.”
The farm, linked to the Chiwenga family, is a major commercial operation in Goromonzi. With knives now clearly out, ZANU PF’s infamous factional wars appear headed for a dramatic new chapter.