Published: 3 hours ago

Former ZANU PF national political commissar and Generation 40 (G40) leader Saviour Kasukuwere has accused former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa of betraying exiled former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi.

Mzembi, who fled Zimbabwe following the 2017 coup that ousted late President Robert Mugabe, was arrested earlier this year after returning from exile. According to Kasukuwere, Mliswa, while visiting G40 leaders in South Africa, was allegedly sent by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to lure Mzembi back to Zimbabwe.

"This is good enough that you betrayed Walter," Kasukuwere said, reinforcing long-held suspicions that Mliswa played a role in Mzembi's return.

Mliswa, however, denied the allegations, stating that he has consistently advocated for the safe return of all exiles. "They should admit how Mzembi was pushed back here due to fear of Kasukuwere as he no longer felt safe. He approached me to facilitate engagements with the relevant powers. Which I did. What part of those actions constitutes enticing him back?" Mliswa said.

He further emphasized that he never acted as an agent of the state or the intelligence services. "I have never worked with the CIO. Accusations of betrayal are outright fabrications by individuals with ulterior agendas," he said.

Mliswa also pointed to previous cases, including Kasukuwere's return in 2018, where he merely facilitated discussions between parties. "Mzembi is not a victim of anything I did but of circumstances that compelled him to flee South Africa," he added.

Kasukuwere, however, hit back at Mliswa's defense, urging him to face the allegations. "Fearing for what? You know what you did and you have run away from him now. Kwana Temba," he said.

The dispute has reignited debate over the roles of key figures in ZANU PF's internal politics and the circumstances surrounding the return of exiled leaders.
- online

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