Chiredzi West Zanu PF Chairman’s Home Petrol-Bombed

CHIREDZI — Tensions within the ruling Zanu PF party in Chiredzi West have taken a dangerous turn following a reported petrol-bomb attack on the home of the Ward 25D chairman, Elias Chinanga, on Thursday night. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through local political circles, is being linked by observers to the deepening factional rifts currently plaguing the party’s district structures.

Chinanga has formally filed a report with the Triangle Police Station regarding the attack. However, he expressed frustration over the investigation process, noting that authorities have yet to issue him an official Reference Report Book (RRB) number to confirm the filing of his case.

Sources close to the chairman allege that the bombing is the culmination of weeks of escalating threats. According to these sources, the Ward 25D councillor, Richard Mazambani, had allegedly threatened to "burn Chinanga in his sleep" during a rally held at Mahanyele Primary School on April 9.

"There is serious factionalism in our ward," one local source claimed. "Chinanga's house was petrol-bombed after the threats were made publicly at the rally."

Chinanga confirmed that he had provided the police with a list of individuals he believes are responsible for the attack. The list includes the ward councillor, Richard Mazambani, alongside several associates, Arkmore Themezani, Muzizi, Yvonne Mapfaka, Rumbidzai Chitare, and an individual identified only as Chibike. Fortunately, there were no casualties in the attack. Chinanga’s children were away visiting their grandmother for the school holidays when the incident occurred.

While the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has yet to confirm or deny the details of the case, the incident reflects broader concerns about the rising volatility of Zanu PF internal politics. Nationwide, factional infighting often linked to succession debates and party structure control has increasingly moved from boardrooms to the grassroots level.

Analysts monitoring the situation warn that unless local party leadership intervenes to mediate these conflicts, such acts of violence could escalate, potentially undermining party stability in the Chiredzi district ahead of upcoming internal selections. For now, Chinanga remains in a state of uncertainty, waiting for official police confirmation and a clear path toward justice.

Chiredzi West Zanu PF petrol bomb