Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has accused retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena of playing a central role in the violence that followed Zimbabwe’s disputed 2008 elections, alleging the former military officials and his current associates helped orchestrate a campaign to keep then President Robert Mugabe in power.
Mliswa’s remarks, however, conveniently did not reference President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who then was a cabinet minister and took over as chairman of the Joint Operations Command (JOC) shortly after the 29 March 2008 elections, replacing Didymus Mutasa.
Mnangagwa was also Mugabe’s chief election agent and is accused of using the JOC to mastermind the violent campaign against opposition supporters that secured Mugabe’s victory in the runoff election.
An official compilation of victims of 2008 post-election violence shows that more than 200 opposition activists lost their lives during that turbulent period.
The allegations have re-emerged amid an escalating public exchange between Mliswa and a group of retired generals led by Muchena, who recently made submissions to Parliament opposing aspects of the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
In response, Mliswa claimed that Muchena and other senior military figures were implicated in the violent aftermath of the 2008 electoral runoff, a period widely associated with widespread intimidation and human rights abuses.
He argued that those now positioning themselves as defenders of constitutionalism had previously undermined democratic principles.
“These individuals carry the baggage of a checkered past, marked by violence inflicted upon countless innocents throughout the nation, a grim narrative chronicled in historical records,” Mliswa stated.
“In 2009, the very same military leaders, including Muchena, faced accusations of orchestrating a brutal campaign to secure President Robert Mugabe’s hold on power during a contentious electoral runoff in June. The aftermath saw numerous villagers slain and thousands displaced.
“By 2013, Muchena was at the helm of the Zanu-PF Commissariat alongside Sydney Nyanungo, allegedly overseeing a violent quasi-military operation dubbed ‘Operation Return to Zanu PF,’ wherein many were victimized.”
Among other issues, the Bill seeks to extend Mnangagwa term and the life of Parliament with two more years.
Mliswa’s remarks come after the retired generals issued a statement rebuking him for criticising their intervention in the constitutional reform process.
The group described Mliswa’s earlier comments as “irresponsible” and “dangerous,” while defending their submission to Parliament as lawful and consistent with constitutional provisions.
The retired officials rejected criticism of their actions, maintaining that their engagement is driven by national interest.
They have also dismissed suggestions that their intervention is politically motivated, insisting they remain committed to constitutionalism and the will of the people.
The exchange is unfolding against the backdrop of growing debate over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which has triggered sharp divisions within Zanu-PF itself.
The retired generals have called for a referendum on any proposed constitutional changes, arguing that such decisions must rest directly with citizens.
