Zimbabwe’s political crisis is deepening as the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) goes after Andreas Ethan Mathibela, the outspoken leader of the Zimbabwe National War Veterans Association. The CIO has officially labelled Mathibela a “person of security interest,” meaning he is now under close surveillance. State security agents are monitoring his every move, and immigration officers across the country have been instructed not to let him leave Zimbabwe.

This serious move by the CIO shows just how tense things have become. Mathibela is now considered a wanted man. If he tries to cross the border, the government plans to arrest him. His only “crime” is speaking the truth. He dared to challenge President Emmerson Mnangagwa openly — something few people in the ruling elite are brave enough to do.

Mathibela has become one of Mnangagwa’s loudest critics. He has said plainly that Mnangagwa has failed and must resign. As a respected war veteran, his words carry weight. War veterans once formed the heart of ZANU PF’s support base. They fought for Zimbabwe’s freedom, and after independence, they stood by the ruling party. But now, some of these same veterans are turning their backs on Mnangagwa, saying he no longer serves the people.

Mathibela is not alone in his calls. Another war veterans leader, Blessed Geza, has called for a national uprising to remove Mnangagwa. Geza even set a date — 31 March — and urged Zimbabweans to rise up. His message has spread widely, adding more tension to an already fragile political environment.

Inside ZANU PF, a fierce power struggle is playing out between Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. Both men want total control of the party. Both have their own followers. This is no longer just a disagreement — it is a battle for survival. These divisions have split ZANU PF into angry, dangerous factions, with both sides willing to use fear and force.

As these power games unfold, it is ordinary Zimbabweans who suffer. Prices keep going up. Jobs are harder to find. Young people see no future. Hospitals are broken. Schools are struggling. People are hungry, tired, and angry. But instead of fixing these problems, the ruling elites are busy fighting each other and silencing critics like Mathibela.

By going after war veterans, Mnangagwa is making a risky move. War veterans are respected across the country. They are seen as national heroes. If they are now being hunted like criminals, what hope is there for ordinary citizens?

The CIO’s decision to hunt Mathibela shows that the government is scared. They are afraid of what he represents — a growing voice of resistance from people once loyal to the system. When even the war veterans start speaking out, it is a sign that the ruling party is collapsing from within.

Zimbabwe is now standing at a dangerous crossroads. Will the ruling party turn to more fear and repression to hold onto power? Or will brave voices like Mathibela’s force real change?

The coming days and weeks will tell. One thing is certain: the people of Zimbabwe are watching. And so is the world. The louder the government tries to silence the truth, the louder the call for justice will become.

Mathibela’s case is more than just one man’s story. It is a warning. Zimbabwe cannot afford another chapter of violence and fear. The time for change is now. And it must start with protecting those brave enough to speak out.