Political Correspondent
HARARE – In a fiery response to mounting accusations, former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has publicly denied any role in the controversial return and subsequent arrest of former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi, labeling the claims as “noonday hogwash” fabricated by his political opponents.
Mzembi, who fled Zimbabwe in 2018 to avoid corruption charges, was arrested in July upon re-entering the country from Zambia and remains in custody. His return has been shrouded in speculation, with figures from the opposition and exiled circles alleging he was lured back by state intelligence operatives, with Mliswa named as a key facilitator.
The claims were vehemently rejected by Mliswa in a detailed statement issued on Wednesday. He accused “callous politicians” and “pseudo-journalists” of creating a false narrative.
“The Mzembi issue is an unfortunate exhibition of callous politicians conveniently altering facts & pseudo-journalists crafting an alternative reality for excitable masses to imbibe on,” Mliswa stated.
“It’s a total shame to accuse me or anyone of enticing him back. This was his own idea!”
Mliswa provided his account of events, explaining that Mzembi personally reached out to him seeking help to initiate talks with Zimbabwean authorities. This move, according to Mliswa, came after a falling out with his long-time ally, former Zanu-PF commissar Saviour Kasukuwere.
“For more than a year and a half they have never spoken. He felt unsafe, which is why he moved from SA to Zambia,” Mliswa explained, detailing the background of Mzembi’s decision.
He specifically targeted his rebuttal at associates of Kasukuwere, singling out activist Ali Naka, whom he described as a “social media gun for hire” peddling falsehoods for personal gain.
“All this talk about me selling him out is noonday hogwash. I’m no spy and never worked for CIO,” Mliswa asserted.
“Ali is working for his food and will peddle any nonsense he is fed.”
In response, Kasukuwere has stood by the allegations, branding Mliswa a “liar” and reiterating claims of betrayal.
“He should stop digging,” Kasukuwere added.
Mliswa defended his history of facilitating dialogue, noting that he played a similar role in advocating for Kasukuwere’s own return from exile in 2018. He insisted his actions were consistent with encouraging exiles to come home and engage lawfully.
“Whatever else they agreed or didn’t I was never part of,” he said.
“Accusations of betrayal are outright fabrications.”
The former MP also condemned the involvement of Susan Mutami, the mother of one of his children, in the scandal, alleging she is being “abused” due to her mental health challenges to strengthen the claims against him.
Mliswa concluded that Mzembi’s fate was a result of his own choices, stating,
“That is never selling out or enticing anyone!”
Mzembi, who is reportedly ill in prison, has not publicly commented on the circumstances of his return.
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