HARARE – Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU PF, is currently experiencing division following the airing of the first part of a four-part documentary by Al Jazeera on money-laundering and gold smuggling activities involving allies of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The documentary titled “Gold Mafia: The Laundry Service” was aired on Thursday, and it has sparked concerns among top army chiefs who have expressed national security concerns.
The investigation by Al Jazeera exposed Mnangagwa’s ambassador-at-large, Uebert Madzanire, also known as Uebert Angel, and the President’s niece, Henrietta Rushwaya‘s hand in the criminal activities.
Angel, who was appointed by Mnangagwa in 2021 to represent him in Europe and the Americas, is seen in the documentary making a bold decision to assist in laundering as much as US$1 billion in cash using diplomatic cover.
According to the documentary, Angel assured his clients that he could take advantage of his close ties with Mnangagwa, and that they could have their money laundered through Zimbabwe.
The documentary has caused a stir within ZANU PF at a time the party is busy with its primary elections ahead of elections, as some members have expressed concern about the implications of the revelations.
One anonymous source within the party said, “This documentary is damaging to the party and the country. We need to address these issues urgently and take action against those involved.”
However, others within the party have dismissed the documentary, calling it a smear campaign against Mnangagwa‘s government.
Securocrats alarmed by Al Jazeera exposé
In response to the documentary, army chiefs have expressed national security concerns, citing the potential implications of money-laundering and gold smuggling on the country’s economy and security.
One army chief who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity said, “These activities are a threat to our national security. We need to take swift action to address them and protect the country.”
According to sources, the security chiefs are worried that the documentary could lead to public revolt and damage the country’s reputation.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda, Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant General David Sigauke, and Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Director-General Isaac Moyo are among those who have reportedly expressed their concerns to President Mnangagwa.
“The documentary is a serious threat to national security, as it could cause unrest among the public and damage the country’s reputation,” said one of the sources.
“The security chiefs are worried about the implications of the documentary on the country’s stability and have urged the government to take immediate action.”
The documentary features interviews with miners, government officials, and experts who expose how gold smuggling is carried out in Zimbabwe.
It also reveals how top government officials and powerful people with some top army bosses implicated are allegedly involved in the corrupt activities.
“The documentary is a wake-up call for the government to take action against corruption or sink because most people are not happy,” said another source.
“The security chiefs have expressed their concern about the impact of corruption on the country’s economy and security especially with junior army officials being underpaid.”
The documentary features interviews with miners, government officials, and experts who expose how gold smuggling is carried out in Zimbabwe.
It also reveals how top government officials and powerful people are allegedly involved in the corrupt activities.
The revelations in the documentary come at a time when Zimbabwe is facing an economic crisis, with high inflation and shortages of basic commodities ahead of general elections to be held any time this year.
Mnangagwa’s government has been under pressure to address these issues, but the revelations in the Al Jazeera documentary suggest that some of his allies may be involved in activities that are exacerbating the crisis.
The ZANU PF leadership is expected to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of the documentary and decide on a course of action.
However, it remains to be seen whether the party will be able to unite in the face of the revelations or whether it will further fragment.
Chiwenga unhappy with ‘second powerful’ Uebert Angell
Meanwhile, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is reportedly unhappy with comments made by Uebert Angel, a Zimbabwean preacher based in the United Kingdom.
In the documentary, Angel claims to be the second most powerful person in Zimbabwe ahead of Chiwenga.
“The Vice President is not happy with the sentiments made by Uebert Angel in the documentary,” said a source close to Chiwenga.
“He feels that such statements are not helpful to the government’s efforts to fight corruption and also challenge his decorated status.”
The Zimbabwean government has not yet officially responded to the concerns raised by the security chiefs.
However, observers say that the government needs to take immediate action to address corruption in the country and restore public confidence in its institutions.
