By Albert Mpofu
A senior Zimbabwean Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Close Security Unit officer, Andrew Chitungo, passed away on Friday at West End Hospital in Harare. Chitungo had a long history of service, having served under the late President Robert Mugabe, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, and later President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Last year, Chitungo was swiftly removed from Mnangagwa’s close security team after a leaked recorded call revealed him referring to Mnangagwa as “Bishop is corrupt.” This incident led to his dismissal from the team.
Aside from his role in the CIO, Chitungo also ran a security company and had startup business interests in Harare. He was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday, seeking medical attention for breathing problems and a loss of energy. Unfortunately, he passed away on Friday. His funeral is scheduled to take place tomorrow, and mourners have gathered at his home in Sunway City, Ruwa.
Family, relatives, and friends remember Chitungo as a “man of the people,” a “family man,” and a “reliable professional.” Despite working for an organization with a fearsome reputation, Chitungo was known for his good-natured demeanor, calmness, and amicability towards people.
Thandekile Moyo, a human rights activist and author who has witnessed the CIO’s brutal actions, including abductions and murders, expressed a grim outlook. Moyo emphasized the predatory and cannibalistic nature of such systems, stating that nobody is safe. Even if one kills or terrorizes others on behalf of these systems, both online and offline, they too become vulnerable targets. Moyo called for a revolution, asserting the need to remove the ruling party ZANU-PF from power with the hashtag #ZanupfMustGo.
