HARARE – A convoy of 21 military tankers, vehicles, and military police vehicles travelling along Borrowdale Road were seen earlier on Wednesday, sparking speculation and unease among citizens in Zimbabwe.
The unexpected presence of such a large military contingent comes at a time when the political situation in the country is tense.
Lynne Stactia, an X user posted the videos on her timeline saying, “In News today: 21 Military tankers, vehicles and military police vehicles spotted along Borrowdale Road.”
This prompted a quick response from the government spokesperson Nick Mangwana who stated that the movement of military vehicles was part of a “scheduled exercise to test equipment” and assured the public that there was “nothing to be concerned about.”
Mauto are looking for philanthropic funders!! pic.twitter.com/BhFdWhQqnk
— LynneM 💕💝💎 (@LynneStactia) February 19, 2025
The explanation, however, comes at a time of heightened political tension within the ruling Zanu-PF party.
Memories of past military interventions, such as the 2017 coup that ousted late former Robert Mugabe, remain fresh in the minds of many citizens.
According to multiple reports the military vehicles and gear was coming from 2 Infantry Brigade, formerly Cranborne Barracks, and bound for Alfida Barracks in Domboshava, home to the 2 Field Regiment
Reports of deep factionalism linked to succession disputes between President Mnangagwa and Vice President Chiwenga have become increasingly frequent.
A faction of the Zanu-PF party linked to Mnangagwa have been calling for the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit.
Although the President has consistently maintained that he will respect Zimbabwe’s Constitution and step down when his second term ends in 2028, he has failed to stop his supporters from pushing for his continued rule.
Mnangagwa reportedly held a meeting with military chiefs on Sunday after returning from Ethiopia for an African Union summit, where he was told that the push to abolish term limits being championed by his loyalists was now a “national security threat.”
The security chiefs also warned against Mnangagwa’s supporters goading Chiwenga and soldiers as witnessed recently at the National Heroes Acre. Mnangagwa addressed selected journalists on Monday, disavowing the Chiwenga critics and pledging to step down when his term ends in 2028.
“I’m a constitutionalist. I have my two terms and when they come to an end, the country and the party will move on by electing my successor. That is clear,” he said.
The government of Zimbabwe has a history of deploying soldiers to contain or intimidate protesters when civil unrest is looming.
This tactic was starkly evident on August 1, 2018, when soldiers opened fire on post-election protesters, killing six people and injuring dozens. The incident occurred less than a year after Mnangagwa grabbed power from Mugabe.
