FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION
STATEMENT BY RETIRED LIEUTENANT GENERAL WINSTON SIGAUKE MAPURANGA
I have watched with deep concern how some among us continue to mischaracterise General Constantino Chiwenga.
Many people mistakenly think he is a radical. Let me say this clearly and without fear: General Chiwenga is not a radicalist. He is a statesman. He is a gentleman.
He possesses more statesmanship and integrity than many who now sit in high office.
ON THE RECORD: GUKURAHUNDI, CHIADZWA, AND 2018
Many people always say he was party and parcel of Gukurahundi, the Chiadzwa diamond scandals, and the 2018 violence.
Let me set the record straight once and for all: General Chiwenga was not part of those things. He was not even involved.
These matters were driven and architected by others—principally by Mnangagwa and his inner circle at the time.
The General’s hands are clean on all three. He has never been the architect or the implementer of those dark chapters.
A MAN OF PRINCIPLE
I have known the General for decades. We served together through difficult times. I can tell you from personal experience that he is a man of principle, a disciplined soldier who has always placed the nation above self.
Unlike others whose signatures appear on one dubious transaction after another, you will search in vain for any shady deal bearing General Chiwenga’s signature.
Only one name is repeatedly linked to those questionable arrangements—and it is not his.
NOT CORRUPT
General Chiwenga is not corrupt.
He has never been about primitive accumulation or building personal empires at the expense of the suffering masses.
He remains the same principled officer who helped steer the country through turbulent waters when it mattered most.
His word is his bond. His loyalty is to Zimbabwe first, not to any individual or faction.
THE LEADERSHIP ZIMBABWE NEEDS
Those who fear him do so precisely because they know that once he assumes leadership, he will restore order.
He will bring back discipline to our institutions. He will put an end to the chaos, the looting, and the reckless governance that has brought our nation to its knees.
Under General Chiwenga, Zimbabwe will once again know stability, accountability, and a renewed sense of purpose.
A FINAL WORD
Let no one be deceived by propaganda. The General is not a firebrand seeking chaos. He is a mature leader, a gentleman soldier who understands that true power must serve the people, not prey on them.
When the time comes—and it will come—he will take over from Mnangagwa and begin the hard but necessary work of rebuilding our country on foundations of integrity, justice, and national unity.
I stand by him without reservation. Zimbabwe needs a man of his calibre now more than ever.
Retired Lieutenant General Winston Sigauke Mapuranga
