Forever War with Security Commanders: Mliswa’s Endless Battles with Police Chiefs

Outspoken politician Themba Mliswa, popularly known as Bhuru, has developed a reputation for clashing with Zimbabwe’s successive Police Commissioner Generals — a feud that has spanned nearly a decade and shows no signs of stopping.

Mliswa’s antagonism toward the top brass of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) traces back to the Augustine Chihuri era. In 2016, during a wave of economic protests and civil unrest, Mliswa accused then-Commissioner General Chihuri of politicising the police force and using it as a tool of oppression. He publicly demanded Chihuri’s resignation, alleging rampant corruption, incompetence, and selective justice — claiming police arrested opposition activists while overlooking violence linked to the ruling party.

His war of words with Chihuri escalated during the anti-bond notes demonstrations, where Mliswa accused the police of brutal crackdowns on citizens. Under Chihuri’s leadership, Mliswa himself was arrested on multiple occasions, cementing a bitter rivalry that defined their relationship.

By 2020, the former Norton legislator had shifted his firepower to Chihuri’s successor, Godwin Matanga. Mliswa lodged complaints with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), demanding investigations into Matanga’s alleged corruption and abuse of office. He further accused Matanga of negligence, claiming he covered up fatal road accidents and maintained questionable ties with businessman Delish Nguwaya, Special Anti-Corruption Unit head Thabani Mpofu, and elements within the judiciary.

Over the years, Mliswa has not limited his criticisms to police commanders alone. His accusations have stretched to cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and even business leaders — often sparking speculation that his fiery attacks are tied less to principle and more to personal or business interests.

His latest brush with the law, linked to the Rengwe Conservancy dispute, once again saw him directing blame at senior police officials involved in enforcing environmental and mining regulations. Analysts argue that Mliswa’s so-called anti-corruption crusades often intersect with regulatory battles that threaten his commercial ventures — raising questions about whether his activism is motivated by genuine accountability or self-preservation.

Politically, Mliswa has shifted allegiances more than once. Expelled from ZANU PF before reinventing himself as an independent MP, he recently expressed interest in rejoining the ruling party. This pattern of political repositioning has fueled perceptions that his wars with police commanders double as strategies to attract public sympathy or regain political leverage.

Now, in 2025, the politician has set his sights on Stephen Mutamba, the current Commissioner General of Police. In a YouTube video titled “Temba Mliswa accuses Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner General Mutamba of corruption”, he launched fresh accusations — but offered little to no evidence. For many observers, this latest tirade is a continuation of his long-standing pattern of attacking every police chief who crosses his path.

Mliswa has mastered the art of using media platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, and parliamentary debates to amplify his grievances. While his boldness has at times pressured institutions into action, it has also landed him in hot water. Yet, if history is anything to go by, one constant remains: Themba Mliswa will not stop speaking out against those he believes stand in his way — especially Zimbabwe’s police commanders.