WATCH LIVE as Gambakwe looks at reports circulating that Mnangagwa is planning to fire the leadership of Zimbabwe’s Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO). Fulton Mangwanya is set to be fired after:
– Concerns were allegedly raised during end-of-year briefings about the leadership of CIO Director-General Fulton Mangwanya (in office for just over a year).
– There are claims of internal dissatisfaction within the CIO, including complaints about the unequal distribution of resources across departments.
– Some units allegedly felt marginalised in operational planning and resourcing, leading to grievances.
– It is alleged that administrative officials acted on directives they believed came from senior leadership.
– Other claims suggest that certain operations tied to the government’s “2030 agenda” experienced delays due to funding and authorisation issues.
Key events for today
ZANU-PF cell day to begin this weekend.
Top Trending News
1. Zanu PF has called a meeting at the District Development Co-ordinator’s (DDC) Office at 9am tomorrow to remove newly installed Chief Chirumanzu born Abraham Marufu Nyamandi who senior party members accuse of having a history associated with the opposition. Today Zanu PF members moved around the district telling villagers that Nyamandi has been removed. Masvingo Mirror is reliably informed that Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbra Rwodzi is behind the machinations to illegally depose the chief. Nyamandi was installed in July last year after all procedures relating to the appointment of the chief were followed and all families involved agreed on him as the rightful heir. Zanu PF’s onslaught on culture, in particular the tradition of appointing chiefs is one key front where democratic space has been lost in Zimbabwe. Chiefs are being appointed through their loyalty to Zanu PF.
2. Tagwirei donates $3000 for the burial of Mike, Abel and Ngoni Gatsi in Warren Park
3. Police in Nkayi are looking for a man named Sicelinkosi Masuku from Ezinyangeni, Nkayi, who is wanted in connection with the murd€r of Princess Janet Magonya Dakamela.
4. Zimbabwe PSL Events Calendar released.
5. Chamisa prophecy by Dr Chiloh – A secret to be revealed.
6. Gibson Homela joins Former Players And Coaches For ED
Business
1. The South African Reserve Bank kept its key repo rate unchanged at 6.75% on January 29, 2026, as widely expected, after a 25 bps rate cut in November. The decision was not unanimous, with two members favoring a 25-basis-point cut.
2. Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe is now 100% owned by Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, a major Chinese battery materials producer. The ownership was consolidated through a US$422 million acquisition completed in April 2022, which involved buying out the following stakeholders: Prospect Resources (87%): The Australian-listed developer received approximately US$377.8 million for its controlling stake. Professor Kingston Kajese (6%): A Zimbabwean academic who sold his minority interest. Tamari Trust (7%): A family trust linked to Zimbabwean businessman Paul Chimbodza.
Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered a criminal investigation into 14 individuals implicated by the Madlanga Commission. Ramaphosa has directed the leadership of the police service to assemble this specialized unit Oversight and Coordination
Professor Firoz Cachalia: Acting Minister of Police (overseeing the directive).
General Fannie Masemola: National Police Commissioner.
14 individuals implicated by the Madlanga Commission. The specific names and groups mentioned for investigation include:
High-Ranking Police Officials
Lesetja Senona: KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head (accused of leaking information).
Maj-Gen Richard Shibiri
Brig Mbangwa Nkhwashu
Brig Rachel Matjeng
Sergeant Fannie Nkosi
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD)
The task team is also directed to probe a murder cover-up involving:
Julius Mkhwanazi: Suspended EMPD acting head.
Bafana Twala: EMPD officer.
Alden McKenzie: EMPD officer.
Kershia Leigh Stols: EMPD officer.
Not part of the current investigation actions:
Senzo Mchunu: Suspended Police Minister (facing criticism for lack of action against him).
Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya: Implicated by witnesses but not included in the current directive.
The team was established because the President determined that existing entities had been compromised. They are tasked with:
Fast-tracking prosecutions of senior police officers.
Investigating the infiltration of criminal syndicates into law enforcement.
Gathering necessary evidence for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Notes
Fulton Mangwanya Career and Recent Appointments
Director General of the CIO: Appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 3 January 2025, succeeding Isaac Moyo.
ZimParks Leadership: Prior to his role in national security, he served as the Director General of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) from 2017 until early 2025.
Background: He began his career in the 1980s as a farm manager before joining the President’s Department in 1988, where he rose to the rank of assistant director before leading ZimParks.
Conservation: Mangwanya is recognized as a wildlife conservationist and has served on the boards of the Peace Parks Foundation and the Southern African Wildlife College.
Academic Background: He holds a PhD in Land and Conservation Management and a degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Zimbabwe.
As the head of the CIO, he oversees Zimbabwe’s primary internal and external intelligence agency. His appointment was part of a broader security sector reconfiguration aimed at strengthening state institutions.
