Political Correspondent
Exiled music legend Thomas Mapfumo is demanding the return of his five vehicles seized by police in 2000, claiming the accusations against him were unfounded and politically motivated.
“When they impounded my cars, the police claimed I had bought stolen cars,” Mapfumo said from his US base.
“Surprisingly, George Shugo, who sold the cars to me, was never arrested. They seemed intent on punishing me for my criticism of Zanu PF.”
Mapfumo alleges that the continued persecution led him to flee Zimbabwe in 2004.
“My associate, Cuthbert Chiromo, was called to take the cars because no one had come forward to claim ownership. Unfortunately, when he returned, the cars were missing.”
Mapfumo’s lawyer is handling the case, and he is determined to reclaim his cars.
“I never stole cars, and no one was ever charged. I want my cars back, and the case is with my lawyers.”
However, Mapfumo is wary of returning to Zimbabwe, fearing it could be a trap by the Mnangagwa regime.
“My lawyer, Warara, said they want me to return to Zimbabwe and present my case. That could be a trap.”
The vehicle issue has been used by the Mugabe regime and Zanu PF supporters to claim that Mapfumo fled Zimbabwe to escape a criminal case, rather than political persecution. However, Mapfumo insists that the accusations were politically motivated, and he was forced to flee due to his criticism of the regime.
Zim GBC News©2024