Mutsvangwa’s Shocking U-Turn: From Critic to Defender of Zvigananda?24 September 2025 Mutsvangwa’s Shocking U-Turn: From Critic to Defender of Zvigananda? Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has stunned the nation with a dramatic U-turn, openly defending business figures Scott Sakupwanya and Kuda Tagwirei — men often accused by critics of benefiting from state capture and corruption. Just months ago, Mutsvangwa criticized elements within his own party for allegedly hijacking the liberation struggle for personal gain.
Yet on Monday, during a press conference at Zanu PF Headquarters, he appeared to go to great lengths to shield the same figures he once condemned. “President Mnangagwa killed the smuggling of gold. Zimbabwe is producing 51 tonnes of gold per annum.
Some of the young people who have made money, such as Scott Sakupwanya, are playing a big role in empowering other young people who are mining gold to get a fair price after production,” Mutsvangwa said, portraying Sakupwanya as a champion of young miners despite widespread allegations linking him to illicit gold dealings. Turning to Tagwirei, who has faced years of accusations over opaque fuel and mining deals, Mutsvangwa dismissed all claims of wrongdoing. “I don’t know where these allegations of corruption against Kuda Tagwirei are coming from, but if you have evidence please go to the police and report,” he told journalists, effectively shielding one of Zimbabwe’s most controversial businessmen.
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Political analysts say Mutsvangwa’s statements reveal deep contradictions within Zanu PF and highlight the party’s readiness to defend wealthy allies, even as ordinary Zimbabweans struggle with economic collapse, joblessness, and poverty. The abrupt shift has triggered public outrage, with critics accusing Mutsvangwa of abandoning principle for political expediency. Many view his defense of Sakupwanya and Tagwirei not as a pursuit of justice, but as yet another example of the ruling elite protecting powerful patrons at the expense of accountability and transparency.
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