By Agencies
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says President Cyril Ramaphosa was not aware that he was in the company of individuals wanted by law enforcement during his recent visit to Zimbabwe.
Magwenya said they’ve noted with concern that reports have emerged that a certain individual wanted by law enforcement in South Africa was also present during the working visit.
Ramaphosa paid a visit to Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa at his private farm on Sunday to discuss bilateral interests.
But the two were joined by the likes of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, whose assets have been frozen in South Africa and is under investigation by the Hawks for money laundering.
Magwenya addressed the issue during a press briefing in Parliament on Wednesday.
“As the presidency, we’ve noted with concern the reports that have since surfaced following this visit identifying an individual who is a person of interest to our law enforcement who was also present during the visit. President Ramaphosa had no prior knowledge of who will be present during the visit nor is he familiar with the said individual.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is once again clashing with the African National Congress (ANC) over its foreign policy objectives following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s unofficial visit to Zimbabwe over the weekend.
The party’s International Relations spokesperson, Ryan Smith, has condemned the visit to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, saying the ANC is determined to prop up dictators in exchange for support in the region.
Mnangagwa is seeking a constitutional amendment that will allow him to extend his presidency.
Zimbabwean media this weekend lifted the veil of secrecy about Ramaphosa’s private meeting at his counterpart Mnangagwa’s farm, and reportedly also attended by two controversial Zimbabwean businessmen.
The South African Presidency did not announce Ramaphosa’s visit in formal communication.
Smith said as a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU), his party rejects Ramaphosa openly fraternising with leaders the party views as “dictators” and years of turning a blind eye to human rights abuses and the treatment of opposition leaders in that country.
“For as long as South Africa refuses to stand up and condemn dictators and human rights abusers on our continent, our country will forever be the only place of asylum for the refugees the ANC continues to create.”
Smith added that South Africa’s immigration crisis is of its own making because for years, the ANC has refused to call out democratic backsliding by ZANU-PF leadership, prompting millions of Zimbabweans to flee their homeland.
