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Mliswa denies role in 'selling out' Mzembi
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Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has dismissed as "shameful lies" allegations that he tricked exiled former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi into returning to Zimbabwe, where he was later arrested and detained.
Mzembi, who fled the country after the 2017 ouster of the late President Robert Mugabe, is reported to have suffered deteriorating health following his detention. Critics have accused Mliswa of colluding with state security agencies to lure him back, claims the outspoken politician strongly rejected.
"The Mzembi issue is an unfortunate exhibition of callous politicians conveniently altering facts and pseudo-journalists crafting an alternative reality. It's a total shame to accuse me or anyone of enticing him back. This was his own idea," Mliswa wrote on social media.
He insisted that Mzembi had personally reached out to him, seeking assistance to return home after falling out with fellow exiled politician Saviour Kasukuwere. "For more than a year and a half they had never spoken. He felt unsafe which is why he moved from South Africa to Zambia," Mliswa claimed.
The former MP also dismissed speculation that he had acted in concert with the country's intelligence services. "All this talk about me selling him out is noonday hogwash. I'm no spy and never worked for the CIO," he said.
Mliswa further accused political activist Ali Naka and other commentators of fueling the allegations on social media, linking the claims to factional battles within the ruling ZANU-PF party. He said his role had always been limited to facilitating dialogue when exiled figures sought to return.
"I have always advocated for the return of everyone in exile. For both Mzembi and Kasukuwere in 2018, when approached I simply spoke with the powers that be and facilitated engagements. Whatever else they agreed or didn't, I was never part of it," Mliswa said.
The controversy has also spilled into his personal life, with his ex-partner Susan Mutami's name dragged into the debate. Mliswa condemned what he called the "abuse" of Mutami's name, citing her health condition and urging political actors to leave her out of the dispute.
Mzembi, who fled the country after the 2017 ouster of the late President Robert Mugabe, is reported to have suffered deteriorating health following his detention. Critics have accused Mliswa of colluding with state security agencies to lure him back, claims the outspoken politician strongly rejected.
"The Mzembi issue is an unfortunate exhibition of callous politicians conveniently altering facts and pseudo-journalists crafting an alternative reality. It's a total shame to accuse me or anyone of enticing him back. This was his own idea," Mliswa wrote on social media.
He insisted that Mzembi had personally reached out to him, seeking assistance to return home after falling out with fellow exiled politician Saviour Kasukuwere. "For more than a year and a half they had never spoken. He felt unsafe which is why he moved from South Africa to Zambia," Mliswa claimed.
Mliswa further accused political activist Ali Naka and other commentators of fueling the allegations on social media, linking the claims to factional battles within the ruling ZANU-PF party. He said his role had always been limited to facilitating dialogue when exiled figures sought to return.
"I have always advocated for the return of everyone in exile. For both Mzembi and Kasukuwere in 2018, when approached I simply spoke with the powers that be and facilitated engagements. Whatever else they agreed or didn't, I was never part of it," Mliswa said.
The controversy has also spilled into his personal life, with his ex-partner Susan Mutami's name dragged into the debate. Mliswa condemned what he called the "abuse" of Mutami's name, citing her health condition and urging political actors to leave her out of the dispute.
Source - online
