Political Correspondent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“When they impounded my cars, the police claimed I had bought stolen cars,” Mapfumo said from his US base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Surprisingly, George Shugo, who sold the cars to me, was never arrested. They seemed intent on punishing me for my criticism of Zanu PF.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mapfumo alleges that the continued persecution led him to flee Zimbabwe in 2004.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mapfumo’s lawyer is handling the case, and he is determined to reclaim his cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I never stole cars, and no one was ever charged. I want my cars back, and the case is with my lawyers.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Mapfumo is wary of returning to Zimbabwe, fearing it could be a trap by the Mnangagwa regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“My lawyer, Warara, said they want me to return to Zimbabwe and present my case. That could be a trap.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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