The increasingly acrimonious struggle to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa has spilled into South Africa’s legal system, following the arrest of Wellington Masiiwa, a former Zanu PF activist turned prominent critic of the Zimbabwean leader.
Masiiwa, known as Nyokatemabhunu, was detained in South Africa on April 13 under controversial circumstances. His audio recordings and social media campaigns have been instrumental in exposing the intense power struggles within Zanu PF regarding Mnangagwa’s succession.
Masiiwa’s sympathisers claim he is the latest victim of state-sponsored political persecution orchestrated by Zanu PF operatives across borders. He is known for running anti-Mnangagwa social media groups, calling on the president to step down.
Following his arrest by unknown individuals, Masiiwa was handed over to South African authorities and charged with violating the country’s immigration laws. Zimbabwe is reportedly seeking his extradition on fraud charges. Police in Zimbabwe stated in March that they were looking for Masiiwa in connection with a US$60,000 fraud case that allegedly occurred in Mazowe in June of the previous year.
Masiiwa appeared at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court last week, charged with contravention of Section 49 (1) of the Immigration Act for being found in South Africa without a valid visa or permit. He is scheduled to return to court on May 9. His bail application was postponed after he presented an identity card that differed from the one held by Zimbabwean authorities. While Masiiwa’s documents reportedly indicate his birth year as 1987, the Zimbabwean government alleges he was born in 1977.
Sources close to the case have expressed serious concerns regarding Masiiwa’s safety, alleging a plot to assassinate him while he is detained at Johannesburg Central Prison.
The source revealed, “In another alarming development, Masiiwa’s mobile phones were reportedly released from police custody and later hacked.”
“From there, pornographic content was posted in what his supporters say was a deliberate attempt to discredit him publicly.”
Masiiwa’s legal team is expected to challenge the extradition, and an initiative is underway to petition regional bodies, including the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, regarding the matter.
The source added, “Human rights’ groups in South Africa and abroad must step in and prevent what we believe are a gross abuse of international legal frameworks for political gain.”
Zanu PF officials have also accused exiled former ministers Saviour Kasukuwere and Walter Mzembi of being behind the push for Mnangagwa’s removal.
The succession battle within Zanu PF has intensified in recent months, with the party now reportedly divided into two distinct factions. One faction is pushing for the 82-year-old Mnangagwa to remain in power, while the other supports Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga as his successor.
Mnangagwa himself has stated his lack of interest in remaining in office beyond 2028. However, despite this, and the backtracking of Mnangagwa’s loyalists on the 2030 agenda, there are indications of moves to advance the agenda through Parliament, where the ruling party holds a two-thirds majority.
Follow @MyZimbabweNews
