President Emmerson Mnangagwa abruptly cancelled two scheduled events on Thursday citing an unspecified “emergency,” prompting speculation about its nature and potential implications.

There are rumblings within political circles, with suggestions that the cancellation could be linked to internal power struggles. Mnangagwa’s alleged desire to extend his term beyond 2028 has reportedly caused tension, particularly with his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, who harbors ambitions for the presidency.

Sources within Zanu PF suggest that Chiwenga is displeased with Mnangagwa’s intentions and is allegedly contemplating a move akin to the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe.

A local newspaper reported on Friday that Mnangagwa called off the swearing-in ceremony for newly-appointed deputy ministers Musa Ncube (National Housing and Social Amenities) and Headman Moyo (Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs) at State House.

Furthermore, Mnangagwa was notably absent from the groundbreaking ceremony of WestProp’s Hills Golf Estate in Mabelreign, Harare, an event he was slated to officiate.

Addressing attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Zhemu Soda, explained that the postponement was at the State level and hinted at the President’s urgent engagement elsewhere.

Soda stated,

We postponed because of some emergency he (Mnangagwa) had to attend out of town and we are not sure (if) he will be able to join us. As such, the event at State level has been postponed, but the private event can continue.