Mnangagwa’s Army Gift Stalled Over Allegations of Surveillance Devices
HARARE — Allegations that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s donation of 102 luxury vehicles to the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) could be fitted with hidden trackers have left the fleet idle at a Harare depot.
The vehicles, handed over in September, remain parked at Msasa Logistics Garrison Depot.
Sources say the army is reluctant to accept them, warning that personal donations — rather than procurement through the fiscus, could compromise the force’s independence.
One senior source was quoted by Masvingo Mirror as saying:
“There is strong fear that, since the vehicles are personal donations and not coming from the fiscus, they could undermine the integrity of the army.”
ZNA deputy director of Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Tichafa Mungofa, declined to comment, directing inquiries to Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) spokesperson Colonel Charles Mutizhe.
Mutizhe requested that questions be sent via WhatsApp but had not responded by press time.
Defence Ministry Permanent Secretary Aaron Nhepera said he was unaware of the delay, stressing that “ZDF is an independent institution. They do their own things whenever they feel it is suitable for them.”
His response reflects the government’s position that the Defence Forces operate autonomously in matters of procurement and deployment.
Announcing the donation in September, President Mnangagwa said the vehicles marked the first phase of a wider programme to boost ZDF mobility, which also includes buses and other transport assets.
He said the initiative would strengthen the Defence Forces’ ability to defend sovereignty, advance national interests, support infrastructure development, and respond to disasters.
The standoff has also stalled delivery of 700 more vehicles Mnangagwa pledged, casting doubt on the future of the programme and raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and the balance between efficiency and independence.
