Herald Names ED’s Murder-Cover-Up-Man, Sengezo Tshabangu, Leader of the Opposition – Eduzim News

By Farai D Hove | In a development that further confirms long-standing suspicions that Sengezo Tshabangu has always been an undercover agent for ZANU PF, Zimbabwe’s state-owned Herald newspaper has bestowed upon him the title of “Leader of the Opposition.” This extraordinary move has left opposition supporters outraged and questioning Tshabangu’s loyalties, given his notorious history of covering up election-related violence and murders orchestrated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime.

Tshabangu’s ZANU PF Ties Exposed

Tshabangu’s controversial role as Mnangagwa’s loyal operative dates back to 2008, during Zimbabwe’s blood-stained election period. He has been implicated in concealing the regime’s brutal post-election violence, including incidents where Mnangagwa himself admitted deploying soldiers to crush dissent and alter election outcomes.

One of the most damning incidents occurred on December 4, 2023, when investigative journalist Simba Chikanza caught Tshabangu red-handed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, allegedly orchestrating a cover-up operation for ZANU PF following the murder of Bishop Tapfumaneyi Masaya. This brazen act reinforced what many had long suspected: Tshabangu was not merely a ZANU PF collaborator but a key player in protecting the regime from accountability for its atrocities.

Herald’s Unprecedented Move

In its article, the Herald portrayed Tshabangu as a bridge-builder, applauding his engagement with ZANU PF as fostering “a healthy democracy.” The state propaganda mouthpiece conveniently omitted Tshabangu’s well-documented involvement in shielding Mnangagwa from the fallout of politically motivated killings, instead framing him as a “mature” opposition leader committed to advancing national development.

The Herald even quoted Tshabangu defending his overt collaboration with Mnangagwa, stating, “It is certainly strange reasoning to suggest that an opposition which engages with the ruling party is ‘selling out.’” This statement has sparked widespread criticism, with opposition activists labeling Tshabangu a Trojan horse in their midst.

Tshabangu’s Loyalty to Mnangagwa: A Long-Running Affair

Tshabangu’s allegiance to Mnangagwa is well-documented. During the 2018 Motlanthe Commission hearings, tasked with investigating post-election violence, Tshabangu delivered a surreal defense of Mnangagwa, describing him as “lovely” and portraying him as a victim of state conspiracies.

“In 2008, political violence erupted due to disputed elections, and the army and state agents were at the forefront of killing people,” Tshabangu said. “Yet in 2017, when our lovely Mnangagwa, now the President, was almost killed with ice cream in Gwanda, where were these state agents? President Mnangagwa wants things done professionally; this is why he put this Commission in place.”

Critics were quick to point out the absurdity of Tshabangu’s testimony, given that Mnangagwa himself publicly admitted deploying soldiers to suppress protests, resulting in numerous deaths. Tshabangu’s remarks were viewed as part of a broader strategy to sanitize the President’s image while demonizing internal dissent within ZANU PF.

Opposition in Crisis

The CCC, Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, now faces a serious credibility crisis with Tshabangu at the center of controversy. While CCC activists accuse him of betraying the party’s cause, Tshabangu continues to defend his interactions with Mnangagwa’s government, claiming they are necessary for national progress.

However, many believe Tshabangu’s collaboration with ZANU PF goes far beyond mere political engagement. From his involvement in election-related violence cover-ups to his role in shaping narratives that absolve Mnangagwa of blame, Tshabangu has consistently acted as an extension of the ruling party’s machinery.

A Troubling Legacy

Tshabangu’s elevation by the Herald underscores the depth of ZANU PF’s infiltration of opposition politics. For years, Tshabangu has shielded Mnangagwa’s regime from scrutiny, earning his place as a trusted agent within the ruling party. His new title as “Leader of the Opposition” is seen by many as the culmination of his covert mission to weaken Zimbabwe’s democratic institutions from within.

As Zimbabweans process this latest twist, the question remains: how long can Tshabangu continue to masquerade as an opposition figure while serving the interests of ZANU PF? For those who have lost loved ones to political violence, the Herald’s declaration is a chilling reminder of the regime’s ability to manipulate and subvert even its supposed adversaries.

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