Mnangagwa accused of using crude tactics

DEPORTED Good Governance (GGA) Africa chief executive officer, Chris Maroleng, has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of using crude tactics to win elections at all costs.

Maroleng and his team were on Thursday booted out of the country before they could conduct their research mission on election conditions and challenges.

In a statement, Maroleng said his team had been in the country for two days after they had been granted permission with the support from Zimbabwean officials and SAPES Trust.

"We are shocked and dismayed by this turn of events but not surprised as the pattern of bullying, anti-democratic behaviour by the Zanu-PF-led government, especially in the run up to elections is well documented," Moroleng said.

He said he would challenge his deportation.

 "There were no proper deportation processes followed," Maroleng said.

"The immigration officer also did not offer reasons for the ejection. We were simply kicked out of the country."

But the government justified its decision to deport Moroleng saying it was in the public interest.

"It's now clear we removed an agent provocateur from our country," Information ministry permanent secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana tweeted.

"Well, he can try to do his agitation and rabble-rousing from his home country. We are all peace-loving here.

"Those who questioned the position taken can now see for themselves why certain decisions were taken in the public interest. Any other country would take the same decision."