Mnangagwa critic seeks SA asylum

Wellington Masiiwa, popularly known by his activist name Nyokayemabhunu, has formally applied for asylum in South Africa as he fights extradition to Zimbabwe, citing fears of political persecution.

Masiiwa has been detained in South Africa since April 13, charged with violating the country's immigration laws after being found without a valid visa or permit. His supporters claim the charges are a pretext for Zimbabwe's government to seek his extradition on politically motivated grounds.

On Thursday, Masiiwa appeared before Randburg Magistrates' Court facing charges under section 49(1) of South Africa's Immigration Act. Bail was denied, but his legal team is preparing an urgent appeal at the Gauteng High Court. He is scheduled to return to Randburg Magistrates' Court on June 20 for a bail ruling.

The extradition hearing is set for June 28, the same day Masiiwa will attend an asylum interview with South Africa's Department of Home Affairs, following his formal application for refugee status.

Zimbabwe's government has labeled Masiiwa a fugitive and is actively pursuing his extradition under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol. The state alleges that Masiiwa committed fraud in 2014 related to the sale of a residential stand.

Deputy Prosecutor General Nelson Mutsonziwa, representing Zimbabwe, emphasized that the extradition request is strictly related to fraud charges and not political activism. "The accused will not be sentenced for any offence other than fraud for which he has already been tried, convicted and sentenced," Mutsonziwa said. He assured that the request was not politically motivated but grounded in legal reciprocity agreements between Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Mutsonziwa also urged the courts to expedite the matter, citing the accused's constitutional right to be prosecuted within a reasonable timeframe and the need to protect available state witnesses from interference.

However, South Africa-based Zimbabwean activist Kudzai Saruwaka dismissed the official narrative, arguing that Masiiwa is the victim of political persecution. "The true motive is political execution," Saruwaka said. "This is not about visas or immigration papers - but about silencing a vocal anti-government critic. The pattern is clear: exile opponents to neighbouring countries, then hunt them down over trumped-up charges."

As the legal battle unfolds, Masiiwa's case has drawn attention to the broader concerns over political dissent and extradition protocols in the region. His asylum claim now places South African authorities at the center of a delicate dispute balancing diplomatic relations and human rights protections.