Harare – Presidential Envoy and Ambassador-at-Large Uebert Angel has condemned attacks against Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, describing them as a disgraceful display of political impropriety and intellectual bankruptcy.

Speaking during a Sunday church service, Angel urged Zimbabweans to avoid joining online attacks and political disputes surrounding Chiwenga, saying criticism should not descend into personal attacks and contempt.

“The vitriolic attacks against Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is a disgraceful exhibition of political impropriety and a display of intellectual bankruptcy,” Angel said.

He said that while public officials should be open to criticism, attacks driven by hatred and unsubstantiated allegations were destructive and would not help Zimbabwe develop a healthy political culture.

“Criticism is legitimate. People must criticise me, they criticise the President, they criticise the Vice President. It is allowed. But contempt masquerading as criticism is diabolic and is evil,” he said.

Angel also questioned the basis of allegations being circulated against Chiwenga, challenging those making claims to establish whether they had personally witnessed the alleged conduct.

“Have you ever been a witness to it? Do you ever see it?” he asked, warning people against accepting one-sided accounts without examining the facts.

He cited the Bible to reinforce his argument, saying people should not rush to conclusions after hearing only one side of a dispute.

Angel went on to argue that attacks on a serving national leader could undermine the office’s authority, urging Zimbabweans to let Chiwenga carry out his duties as vice president and support President Emmerson Mnangagwa in leading the country.

He rejected suggestions that his remarks placed him within a political faction, saying his allegiance was to Jesus Christ.

“I don’t do factions; I am on one faction, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Angel said.

His remarks come amid public debate and online commentary surrounding Chiwenga, although Angel did not identify the individuals responsible for the attacks or address specific allegations in detail.