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ZANU-PF denies alleged diaspora hit list amid claims of threats against Zimbabweans abroad
Recent reports have alleged that the Zimbabwean government may be targeting diaspora critics through a so-called “hit list” of activists, journalists, and opposition figures, particularly in South Africa (SA) and the United Kingdom. Names reportedly included on the list are Hopewell Chin’ono, Job Sikhala, and Tinashe Jonasi.
However, speaking on Africa Update, Farai Muroiwa Marapira, Director for Information and Publicity for the ruling ZANU-PF party, firmly denied the allegations.
“That is the stuff of imagination and totally untrue. We are a law-abiding party. We have no time to be making such nefarious plans against anyone,” Marapira said. “We fought for the liberation of this country so that people could speak their minds freely. We have no reason to be intimidating anyone or threatening anyone.”
Marapira also addressed recent claims surrounding alleged surveillance and intimidation of Zimbabweans abroad, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated.
“Job Sikhala is facing criminal charges, and as usual, he seeks to find political solutions to his misdemeanours. This is simply political grandstanding for his own survival,” he said, adding that ZANU-PF has confidence in the South African legal system to handle any investigations.
On questions about alleged passport confiscations or a blacklist of 60 individuals, Marapira stated:
“That is utter nonsense.”
Marapira further commented on a legal challenge filed by a group of former independence fighters against government plans to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term. He defended the proposal, saying extending parliamentary cycles from five to seven years would allow long-term projects to reach completion and contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic revival.
“People are finding Zimbabwe very exciting at this moment. Infrastructural development, economic growth, agricultural expansion, these projects need time to bear fruit,” he said.