Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa has publicly denounced Presidential Envoy Uebert Angel, calling for his arrest over rape allegations. Mliswa's criticism stems from Angel's recent defence of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, whom Mliswa accuses of undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa. In a detailed post, Mliswa accused Angel of using his pulpit to shield Chiwenga from scrutiny while ignoring the Vice-President's own conduct.
Angel had condemned what he termed "vitriolic attacks" on Chiwenga during a church service at his Hippodrome ministry. He distinguished between legitimate criticism and "contempt masquerading as criticism," labelling the latter as "diabolical" and "evil." Mliswa challenged this distinction, arguing it could lead to censorship and questioning Angel's right to dictate how citizens scrutinise political leaders.
Mliswa invoked biblical figures who confronted those in power, including Nathan, Elijah, and John the Baptist. He argued that a preacher should not tell citizens to stay silent when scrutinising political leaders. Mliswa also questioned Angel's past prophetic statements, specifically those made in July regarding a future successor and another person "coming after August," which have yet to come to pass.
Mliswa's central argument is that Angel is defending Chiwenga while ignoring the Vice-President's alleged undermining of Mnangagwa. He pointed to Chiwenga's remarks at the Zanu PF annual conference in Chinhoyi on 16 October, suggesting that Angel's call for restraint should apply equally to the Vice-President. Mliswa rejected Angel's claim to political neutrality, accusing him of factionalism.
The allegations against Angel include a report published by The Standard in March, which stated that a woman had reported an alleged indecent sexual assault to Borrowdale Police Station. Although the allegations have not been proven in court, Mliswa called for Angel's arrest. Angel's defence of Chiwenga comes amid renewed speculation over succession politics within Zanu PF.
Angel's comments have drawn attention due to his earlier remarks about a future successor and the political tensions that surfaced at the Chinhoyi conference. There is no established evidence linking the death of businessman Wicknell Chivayo in a helicopter crash to factional battles within the ruling party. Chivayo died alongside his wife and three other people on 30 September.
Mliswa concluded by calling on churches to withdraw from succession politics and return to preaching the Gospel. The controversy highlights the intersection of politics and religion in Zimbabwe, with various stakeholders weighing in on the role of religious leaders in political discourse.
Key points
- Temba Mliswa calls for Uebert Angel's arrest over rape allegations and political double standards.
- Mliswa accuses Angel of defending Chiwenga while ignoring his alleged undermining of Mnangagwa.
- The controversy is linked to renewed speculation over succession politics within Zanu PF.
