Is Mnangagwa “soft as wool,” or is he playing the crocodile game?
When Constantino Chiwenga issued his warning shots, many immediately thought back to the Mugabe era. Mugabe was ruthless, decisive, and quick to act. He rarely allowed threats to grow, often dealing with dissent proactively, swiftly, and sometimes dramatically before it could challenge his authority.
So, when Mnangagwa doesn’t immediately respond, people begin to wonder: Has ED gone soft?
Not necessarily. Remember, his nickname is Garwe (The Crocodile) for a reason.
A crocodile doesn’t roar or chase its prey in the open. It stays quiet, watches carefully, and waits for the perfect moment to strike. It allows its prey to become comfortable, unaware of the danger beneath the surface.
Perhaps this is Mnangagwa’s style: patience, calculation, and timing. He may be assessing the balance of power, watching who stands where, and planning his next move.
Mugabe’s style was often loud, swift, and theatrical. Mnangagwa’s may be quieter and more calculated. But there is a fine line between patience and indecision. The longer a political threat is allowed to grow, the harder it may become to contain.
Is Garwe biding his time, waiting for the right moment to strike, or are the political waters getting too deep, even for the crocodile?
Never mistake silence for surrender. The game may be far from over.
– Petros Dube