A viral leaked audio recording has ignited widespread political speculation in Zimbabwe after a prominent preacher, allegedly speaking during a conversation with a journalist, made extraordinary claims about businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, elite political influence and the battle to eventually succeed Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The audio does not directly feature Tagwirei himself. Instead, it allegedly captures a well-known preacher recounting information and claims he said were sourced from flamboyant preacher Passion Java.
The explosive recording contains sweeping assertions about political influence, business empires, military links and succession planning within Zimbabwe’s ruling establishment.
According to the claims made in the audio, Tagwirei allegedly boasts of being a “kingmaker” within the system and claims President Mnangagwa consults him on cabinet appointments and major government decisions.
The preacher further alleges that proposed legislation affecting small-scale miners was driven by Tagwirei’s own mining expansion ambitions, with claims he wants tighter control of the sector through policy influence and the removal of smaller operators.
The recording also alleges that Tagwirei meets the President twice every week to discuss political and economic matters and believes Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 is already effectively a done deal awaiting presidential assent.
According to the preacher, once the constitutional changes are passed, attention would allegedly shift towards a “second war” targeting Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, whom Tagwirei supposedly views as the main obstacle to his future presidential ambitions.
Among the most explosive allegations are claims that Tagwirei allegedly said he had influence over senior military commanders, intelligence officials, police bosses and members of the judiciary.
The preacher further claims Tagwirei allegedly boasted that ministers regularly visit his home, with the exception of Mnangagwa, his vice presidents and Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe.
The audio also contains extravagant claims about Tagwirei’s wealth and security arrangements, including allegations that his property is protected by drones, heavily guarded by security personnel and contains a steel vault.
At another point in the recording, the preacher alleges Tagwirei claimed to control massive petroleum reserves while identifying businessman Billy Rautenbach as his only serious financial rival.
The conversation also references other politically connected businessmen including Wicknell Chivayo and Scott Sakupwanya.
One of the most controversial moments in the recording includes an alleged declaration linked to Tagwirei stating: “I am the next president.”
The audio emerged during heightened political tensions surrounding Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, which critics argue could significantly reshape Zimbabwe’s governance and succession framework.
The controversy has already triggered fierce debate on social media, with some questioning the authenticity of the recording while others argue it reinforces long-standing public concerns about the intersection of business, religion and political power in Zimbabwe.
Passion Java has since released a video from his family home in the United States distancing himself from the controversy.
“I’m just doing this video because there are audios circulating in Zimbabwe and the audios are mentioning names such as the President, Central Committee member VaTagwirei, fellow prophets, some politicians and members of parliament,” Java said.
“I distance myself 100% from all that is being said in the audios. I don’t know where it’s coming from or where it’s going. Of course Java is my blood brother. I’m not sure it is him, it’s AI-generated. It’s usually more political attacks or what, I don’t know.”
Java said that whether the voice belonged to his brother or not, he was not involved in any of the matters discussed in the recordings.
“But whether it’s him or it’s not him, I’m not part of anything mentioned. Me and Apostle Java, remember, he is a great man of God, anointed, and nothing changes his calling from God. We are just different in our political positions,” he said.
“Remember, he was married to a Tsvangirai, and then I stand now with Mnangagwa.”
Java also referenced Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, insisting his support for the proposed constitutional changes had already been publicly stated on his social media platforms.
“If you hear some of the things mentioned about Bill 3 there, if you go on my Facebook page, you will see last week and last month I’ve been posting and standing with fellow Zimbabweans who support Bill 3,” he said.
He denied having meetings or conversations with Tagwirei or some of the individuals allegedly mentioned in the recording.
“So I don’t know where this whole thing is coming from. I never had any meetings with Mr Tagwirei or any conversations together in these audios. Some of the names mentioned, I don’t even know the people. It’s my first time hearing them,” Java said.
He concluded by apologising to anyone named in the recordings while reaffirming his loyalty to Zanu PF and Mnangagwa.
“I would like to say I apologise to any name mentioned in these audios. But I remain a Zanu PF member, someone who stands and believes in the President and the development taking place in Zimbabwe.
“But I am distancing myself from all this. I’m now going to spend time with my family. God bless you.”
Passion Java’s brother Pastor Batsirai Java, known as Apostle B Java; founder of ABJ Ministries and Tabernacle of Grace Church has also released a video addressing the circulating audio;
“I am not the person in that audio, this is my voice, this is me speaking and I am not even in communication with the person who is at the end of that audio,” he said.
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