Deal with ‘rogue’ Chinese investors if you’re a serious anti-corruption crusader— Mliswa challenges VP Chiwenga

OUTSPOKEN former independent Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa has challenged erstwhile anti-corruption crusader Vice President (Retired) General Constantino Chiwenga to deal with the rogue behaviour of some Chinese nationals.

Mliswa, who recently waxed lyrical in support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa whose bid to extend his term to 2030 has widened the cracks within the Zanu PF party, made the surprise call to Chiwenga seemingly endorsing his leadership style.

Chiwenga, who has been on a crusade against corruption, at times describing it as a national security threat, recently tabled a dossier at the Zanu PF Politburo meeting in which Mnangagwa loyalists like Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Wicknell Chivhayo were mentioned.

Mliswa believes Chiwenga is using corruption as an trump card, aiming to succeed his principal in 2028, hence his somewhat sarcastic plea for the latter to deal with the Chinese if he is serious about tackling graft.

In particular, a Chinese investor, Shuntai Investments Private Limited, is in a spot of bother with a private school, Bryden Country School in Chegutu, over construction of a cement plant near the elite learning institution. The school has raised health fears given the factory’s proximity to it. There are suspicions the investor is bribing authorities to evade sanctions.

Despite a High Court order halting the work, the Shuntai Investments is still going on with works, thereby giving credence to rumours that money could be exchanging hands or the investor has protection from political bigwigs.

Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba, recently said there is nothing untoward with the Chinese building a firm close to the school.

Mliswa, who is a former Zanu PF Mashonaland West Chairman, hopes Chiwenga intervenes in the standoff between Bryden Country School and the Chinese investor to display his genuineness to fight against corruption and is not just targeting Mnangagwa’s close allies.

“Hon VP can you assist on this problem with Bryden. I also have a child there. The Chinese can’t be preferred over us & our good education. As a leading light against corruption can you kindly deal with this Chinese issue which has been ignored as they are protected from high up,” Mliswa posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

Mliswa further highlighted the less-than-ideal behaviour of the Chinese in Hurungwe, where they are ignoring a court order and continuing operations in the area, with locals on the verge of being displaced.

“I also have a Chinese problem in Rengwe with our 25-year lease under threat as a cartel in Gvt (government) wants to displace us & bring some Chinese. They are doing this despite a court order blocking that. I would appreciate your intervention very much. Fighting corruption starts now.”

Rengwe Conservancy is a wildlife conservation and tourism area in Zimbabwe located across the Hurungwe, Gokwe North, and Nyaminyami districts.

Mliswa has stated that whilst he supports Chiwenga’s fight against corruption, the former army boss should not use the issue to score political points against rivals.

“I fully support VP Chiwenga’s rallying call but the fight against corruption should not be weaponised as a political gadget against rivals. That won’t produce results with national benefits but rather advance the agenda of a few,” he posted on X recently.

Of late, Mliswa has drawn himself into the ruling party succession battle and is not hiding his support for Mnangagwa.