Zimbabwe denies role in killing of activist in South Africa

The Zimbabwean government has denied allegations that it was involved in the killing of a political activist in South Africa following online claims that he was the victim of an extraterritorial assassination.

Kudzai Weston Saruwaka, an activist associated with calls for political change championed by the late war veteran Blessed "Bombshell" Geza, was found dead with gunshot wounds in Mabopane, north of Pretoria, on February 7.

Saruwaka's brother, former Mutasa Central opposition MP Trevor Saruwaka, alleged in a Facebook post that the killing was politically motivated.

"The political thugs have assassinated my young brother, Kudzai Weston Saruwaka, of the Geza Revolution," Trevor Saruwaka wrote. "You are a martyr who has paid the ultimate price for the freedom of Zimbabwe. The struggle shall continue."

Government spokesperson Ndavaningi Mangwana rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded.

"We categorically reject the unfounded allegations being pushed around the internet regarding the tragic death of a Zimbabwean national in South Africa. We had absolutely no role in this incident," Mangwana said.

He extended condolences to the family and said the government had confidence in South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, adding that South Africa's high levels of violent crime should not be overlooked.

"The South African police are experienced in handling complex cases of violent crime. We urge all parties to allow investigations to proceed without harmful speculation," Mangwana said.

Saruwaka's death came a day after Geza died of cancer while in exile in South Africa, a coincidence that fuelled speculation among activists and critics of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government.

A video circulating online shows Saruwaka outside a residence described as Geza's home, where he said he had gone to pay his respects. In the footage, he indicated he was preparing to leave South Africa.

US-based pro-democracy activist Freeman Chari claimed on social media that Saruwaka had been assassinated by ruling party operatives, an allegation the Zimbabwean government has denied.

Friends and associates said Saruwaka left Zimbabwe in October last year after receiving what he believed were credible threats linked to his political activism.

While in South Africa, he reportedly earned a living selling branded door mats, carpets and rugs.

According to accounts from family members, Saruwaka had received a R27,000 order paid in three instalments via ATM deposits. After completing the order, communication with the client allegedly ceased for more than two months.

Last week, Saruwaka was reportedly sent a delivery location in Mabopane. He travelled to the area using an Uber, where gunmen are alleged to have ambushed the vehicle and fatally shot him.

Family members said police indicated that nothing was stolen from the vehicle, including the goods Saruwaka was delivering, raising suspicions that he may have been deliberately lured to the location.

Tributes have since poured in from opposition leaders and activists.

MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora described Saruwaka as "one of the most gifted, fearless and focused young people" and condemned the killing as "murder most foul."

Gladys Hlatywayo, a former MP and Citizens Coalition for Change external affairs secretary, said the killing bore "the footprints of an extraterritorial assassination."

South African police have yet to publicly comment on possible motives, saying investigations are ongoing.

The allegations, though unproven, have heightened anxiety among Zimbabwean political activists living in exile in neighbouring countries, many of whom fled citing fears for their safety.