History has a haunting way of repeating itself. As Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga finds himself locked in a high-stakes succession battle with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whispers of betrayal, poison, and purges echo through the corridors of power. And now, as the pressure mounts, some fear that Chiwenga’s wife, Colonel Miniyathabo “Minnie” Baloyi, could become collateral damage just as Susan Tsvangirai once was. Susan Tsvangirai, the beloved wife of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, died in a mysterious car crash in 2009. Though officially ruled an accident, many Zimbabweans still believe her death was politically motivated a warning shot aimed at weakening her husband’s resolve during a tense power-sharing era. The symbolism was chilling if they couldn’t break the man, they would break the woman beside him.
As the rift deepens, insiders warn that if Mnangagwa’s camp fails to “clip Chiwenga’s wings” directly, they may resort to targeting those closest to him. And Miniyathabo, with her growing public profile and symbolic weight, could be next. In Zimbabwean politics, perception often outweighs fact. Poison plots, mysterious illnesses, and sudden demotions are part of the playbook. General Anselem Sanyatwe, a Chiwenga ally, was allegedly poisoned and flown to India for treatment. Though officially denied, the story served its purpose to sow fear and fracture loyalties.
Miniyathabo’s visibility makes her vulnerable. She represents not just Chiwenga’s personal life but his political future. If she were to suffer a “tragic accident” or face public humiliation, it would send a chilling message to Chiwenga and to anyone who dares challenge the status quo.
Morgan Tsvangirai never fully recovered from Susan’s death. It weakened him emotionally and politically, leaving him exposed to manipulation and ultimately sidelined. The lesson is clear in Zimbabwe, the battle for power is not just fought in parliament or politburo meetings it’s waged in homes, marriages, and hearts. The succession battle intensifies, the question is no longer whether Chiwenga will be targeted. It’s whether Miniyathabo Baloyi will become the next Susan Tsvangirai a tragic symbol of what happens when politics turns personal.
