The Zimbabwe National Army’s recruitment policies have come under sharp scrutiny following remarks by Major General Walter Tapfumaneyi, who openly declared that opposition supporters are systematically excluded from enlistment, with preference given to families aligned with the ruling Zanu-PF party.
Speaking during the ZNA Masvingo Province Traditional Leaders’ Day at Chief Nhema’s homestead, Maj. Gen. Tapfumaneyi revealed that political affiliation forms part of the vetting process for new recruits.
“We conduct background checks to determine if your family supports Musangano (Zanu-PF) or is among the lost (opposition). The ruling party, led by President Mnangagwa, is Zanu-PF. If you flock with the lost, you will be recruited when they come into power,” he said.
The senior officer defended the practice using a metaphor, likening opposition supporters to “a neighbour’s dogs” that could betray their hunting party:
“The ruling government is led by President Mnangagwa’s Zanu-PF party, so we don’t want to lie to each other. If you go hunting, you cannot use your neighbour’s dogs; they may end up dining with the hare you are hunting.”
Maj. Gen. Tapfumaneyi, a former Deputy Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and Permanent Secretary, played a high-profile role in the 2023 general elections as head of Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ), a shadowy organisation accused by the opposition of interfering with the polls. His reinstatement to senior military command underscores his enduring influence in Zimbabwe’s security establishment.
At the same event, Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira lauded Tapfumaneyi for his contribution to Zanu-PF’s 2023 election victory, commending his “dedication to the party’s success.” He also highlighted the army’s developmental work, citing projects such as building bridges, schools, and clinics, as well as providing free medical services to rural communities.
“The army used to stay in barracks but now they are seen aiding communities through constructing bridges, clinics, schools among other things. They also do outreach programmes where they bring health services to the communities for free,” Chadzamira said.
The minister further praised the longstanding partnership between traditional leaders and the army, tracing it back to biblical times, and announced the imminent rollout of presidential farming inputs, cautioning communities not to sell them for alcohol.
Chief Nhema, born Rangarirai Bwawanda, thanked the army for engaging with traditional leaders, stressing the importance of collaboration for national development.
Maj. Gen. Tapfumaneyi’s candid remarks have reignited concerns over the politicisation of Zimbabwe’s military, which critics argue undermines constitutional principles of neutrality and further blurs the line between state and ruling party structures.
Source – Tellzim
