By Tinotenda Hove

Jeremiah Masawi, better known by his moniker Nyokayemabhunu, is emerging as a thorn in the side of Zanu PF hardliners, prompting threats and a flurry of behind-the-scenes moves to silence or discredit him. The former Zanu PF security operative from Mashonaland Central appears to be rattling feathers within the ruling party — particularly among its more militant and vocal supporters.

On Monday, tensions boiled over on social media as Zanu PF-aligned online activists — known as Varakashi — issued angry warnings directed at Masawi. The attacks came after a series of anonymous posts under the Nyokayemabhunu handle that appeared to criticise internal party dynamics and hinted at secret communications between senior party members and exiled former cabinet minister, Saviour Kasukuwere.

One Varakashi message, widely circulated in WhatsApp groups and seen by this reporter, read:

“Nyokayemabhunu account number gone, we have his phone, he has been talking to Kasukuwere. Tapadhuze nekubata Gezaa.”
(Translation: “Nyokayemabhunu’s account is gone, we have his phone, he has been communicating with Kasukuwere. We’re close to catching Gezaa [a presumed alias].”)

While no formal response has been issued by the Zanu PF leadership, insiders say the party is increasingly unsettled by the growing influence of online dissenters, especially those with insider knowledge of party structures and operations.

Political analyst Tapiwa Munemo believes the panic is less about Masawi’s identity and more about what he represents.

“Someone like Nyokayemabhunu shakes the system because he’s not speaking from the outside — he’s been part of the security core. That makes every word he says more damaging. Even if he’s not revealing state secrets, he’s challenging the culture of silence within,” said Munemo.

The references to Kasukuwere — a former Zanu PF political commissar now in exile and still claiming political relevance — only deepen the paranoia. Allegations of renewed contacts between exiled politicians and disgruntled insiders are not new, but they continue to feed speculation of brewing internal rifts, especially ahead of potential leadership reshuffles or succession debates.

Jeremiah Masawi has not publicly confirmed he is behind the Nyokayemabhunu persona, and efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful. However, digital footprints linking his previous political engagements in Mashonaland Central to recent online leaks have strengthened the belief among party loyalists that he is involved.

For now, Zanu PF hardliners appear determined to clamp down on perceived traitors and leaks. But in doing so, they may be exposing the very fault lines Masawi is allegedly trying to highlight.

As Munemo adds:

“What we’re seeing is a system fighting its own shadows. The more aggressively they respond, the more questions people will ask — not just about Masawi, but about what they’re so afraid he’ll reveal.”