logo
Africa Watch: Did Mnangagwa help Lungu with a Zimbabwe diplomatic passport?

Africa Watch: Did Mnangagwa help Lungu with a Zimbabwe diplomatic passport?

The sudden death of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu in South Africa last month has taken a twist, with claims emerging that he was in the country using a Zimbabwean diplomatic passport.
Following Lungu's death and delayed burial, claims are that he may have been travelling under a diplomatic passport, possibly with the help of his long-time ally, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
RELATED | Power: The truth behind Africa's longest-serving presidents
Given the long-standing relationship between Lungu and Mnangagwa, some observers have begun asking the uncomfortable question: Did Zimbabwe's leader help his ally by granting him special travel privileges?
Zanu PF has denied the claims in the strongest terms.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana posted on X: 'We wish to categorically state that the late former Zambian President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu did not hold a Zimbabwean passport or nationality. Any such suggestions are just mischievous falsehoods.'
Journalists Hopewell Chin'ono and Maynard Manyowa have both highlighted concerns around the alleged misuse of diplomatic passports in Zimbabwe.
Manyowa claims that South African officials are raising concerns about the high number of red passport holders they encounter.
Chin'ono says authorities are handing these documents to girlfriends, wives of political elites, and even radio presenters.
Zimbabwean officials have long used diplomatic passports. The Gold Mafia documentary by Al Jazeera revealed how religious figure Uebert Angel allegedly used it.
He allegedly used his diplomatic status to smuggle gold out of the country. Taking advantage of the immunity that comes with such passports.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

New clues see SAPS rush back to Saldanha Bay in search of Joslin Smith
New clues see SAPS rush back to Saldanha Bay in search of Joslin Smith

The South African

time12 minutes ago

  • The South African

New clues see SAPS rush back to Saldanha Bay in search of Joslin Smith

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched renewed search operations in Saldanha Bay as efforts to locate Joslin Smith continue, nearly 18 months after her disappearance. A heavy police presence was seen in the Middelpos informal settlement on Friday afternoon, with officers methodically sweeping through the area. The operation follows the emergence of new information that investigators believe could be crucial in the ongoing case. Joslin was first reported missing in February 2024, prompting widespread national concern and a large-scale search across the Western Cape. Despite arrests made in connection with the case, the young girl's whereabouts remain unknown. While authorities have not disclosed the specifics of the new lead, sources suggest it was compelling enough to warrant a renewed physical search of the Middelpos area – close to where Joslin was last seen. Police have declined to comment further, citing the sensitivity of the investigation. Residents of Saldanha Bay continue to cling to hope as the search enters yet another chapter. Friday's police operation brought a fresh sense of urgency and attention to a case that has weighed heavily on the local community and the nation at large. Joslin's story captured the hearts of many across South Africa, with calls for justice and clarity echoing for months. Posters bearing her image still line shop windows and lamp posts – a stark reminder of the unanswered questions that remain. As police continue their investigation, the country waits anxiously for a breakthrough that might finally bring Joslin home. Authorities have urged the public to report any relevant information, no matter how small, to local police stations or crime hotlines. No official statement had been issued by SAPS at the time of publishing. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Police investigate allegations of Basotho military-style training camps in South Africa
Police investigate allegations of Basotho military-style training camps in South Africa

The Citizen

time12 minutes ago

  • The Citizen

Police investigate allegations of Basotho military-style training camps in South Africa

Lesotho police this week warned of such camps that would destabilise both countries. The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (Saps), General Fannie Masemola, and the Lesotho Police Chief, Advocate Borotho Matsoso, confirmed a collaborative investigation into allegations of military-style training camps for Basotho on some South African farms. Matsoso this week warned of such camps that would destabilise both countries. 'It is not necessarily young Basotho, but Basotho nationals of different ages, especially males. We have discovered that they have been recruited to join this military training in some of the farms in South Africa. This is what we have come across,' Matsoso told Newzroom Afrika. ALSO READ: 'Step in, McKenzie': ATM condemns sale of heritage sites on Basotho royal land 'We are warning Basotho that something is taking place, which might and has a likelihood of causing confusion and disrupting peace in the country. The target is Basotho citizens, and some South Africans have been recruited into this thing.' These groups are apparently organising themselves to claim back land that they say belongs to Basotho, from South Africa. 'It has taken us by surprise. We never thought something like this could happen. If there was any land to be claimed back, it would have to be taken peacefully through negotiations, not by force. They appear to be preparing to take over, which is completely against the country's laws. We are working together with the South African counterparts on this,' said Matsoso. SA police heighten operations On Saturday, Masemola said the comments made by Matsoso were 'high on the agenda'. The police commissioner confirmed a meeting with all nine provincial commissioners to discuss crime combating efforts nationwide. Masemola highlighted his satisfaction that organised crime syndicates in the country are being dismantled, dislodged, displaced and arrested. ALSO READ: Motsoaledi grants 178 000 Zimbabweans, 54 653 Basotho two-year exemption permits He said police have heightened their operations to investigate the allegations of military-style training camps for Basotho people. However, no evidence has been found so far. 'A preliminary report from the crime intelligence division was discussed in which intelligence structures have highlighted that they have heightened their operations to investigate allegations made and, where necessary, track down and take down such illegal activities,' said Masemola. 'The DPCI, also known as the HAWKS Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit, has also been roped in to investigate. Various searches have been undertaken by CATS at various identified farms, and no such evidence has been found to date.' Masemola urged South Africans to to panic or worry as police from Lesotho and South Africa remain on high alert. ALSO READ: Give back the land, Basotho ask Queen Elizabeth 'General Fannie Masemola assures all people living in South Africa that the safety and security of the people of SA is of paramount importance, and anyone who is found to be in the country committing illegal acts will face the full might of the law. 'To this effect, intelligence structures and operatives are on the ground to establish facts.'

Kenny Kunene tenders immediate resignation
Kenny Kunene tenders immediate resignation

The South African

timean hour ago

  • The South African

Kenny Kunene tenders immediate resignation

Kenny Kunene, Deputy President of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), has stepped down from his role as Proportional Representation Councillor and as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport in the City of Johannesburg, following mounting public scrutiny over his alleged association with an accused murder syndicate member. In his resignation letter, Kunene cited a commitment to public accountability as the reason for his decision: 'I regret to inform you that I have tendered my resignation, effective immediately. I am stepping aside from public life, for a period, while my party satisfies itself as to certain allegations that have been raised against me.' He maintained that the allegations were unfounded but agreed it would be in the public interest to withdraw from public office while an investigation is underway. The move comes days after Kunene was linked to Katiso Molefe, an alleged kingpin arrested in connection with the 2022 murder of DJ Sumbody. Kunene insists he has no personal relationship with Molefe, claiming he was caught at the suspect's home while accompanying a journalist for an interview. In a formal statement, PA President Gayton McKenzie confirmed Kunene's temporary exit from political duties. 'He has agreed to cooperate with an investigation… led by a competent legal team. Until fully cleared, he will not serve in any official capacity within the party,' McKenzie said. McKenzie urged party members to stay focused and trust the process, stating that the appointment of investigators was already in motion. Kunene, often a controversial public figure, expressed pride in his contributions to Johannesburg's transport portfolio. He thanked colleagues and constituents, leaving the door open for a potential return once his name is cleared. The resignation marks a significant development for the Patriotic Alliance, which has grown its presence in South African municipal politics in recent years. As the investigation unfolds, political observers are closely watching how this episode will affect both Kunene's career and the PA's public image. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store