Chamisa Hits Back at Hwende Over Bribery Claims

Kuwadzana MP Chalton Hwende

HARARE – Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has sharply criticised his detractors, including Chalton Hwende, accusing them of launching repeated social media attacks against him and spreading claims that he has received benefits from the ruling party.

Speaking in an interview with a local media outlet, Chamisa dismissed allegations circulating on the social media platform X that he had been “silenced” through favours or bribes linked to the ruling ZANU PF.

Hwende, who represents Kuwadzana in Parliament, had suggested online that Chamisa had benefited from perks associated with the ruling party, an accusation the opposition figure strongly denied. Chamisa said such statements were not worth serious engagement, suggesting they were made under the influence of alcohol.

“Those things are said in circumstances of intoxication. Why should I waste my time on issues of drinks?” he said.

Chamisa defended his political record, insisting he has not benefited from state privileges or financial support linked to the ruling party.

“For the record, I bear multiple scars for standing principled, focused and consistent,” he said. “I am not in Parliament. I have not received a loan from Zanu PF. I don’t have a farm.”

His comments appeared to reference ongoing debates around parliamentary housing loans, which have been discussed among legislators. Members of Parliament previously received housing loans during the last parliamentary term, and some lawmakers have reportedly been pushing for additional support to build or complete their homes.

Chamisa said he had not benefited from such programmes or other state-linked advantages.

“I have nothing that I have received from anyone except persecution, ridicule, oppression, and attempted assassination,” he said.

The exchange reflects ongoing tensions within Zimbabwe’s opposition political space, where disagreements among prominent figures have increasingly played out on social media. Political analysts say public disputes between opposition leaders risk deepening divisions at a time when the opposition movement is attempting to rebuild after recent electoral setbacks. Neither Hwende nor representatives from his office had issued a formal response to Chamisa’s latest remarks at the time of publication.

Nelson Chamisa Chalton Hwende bribery