Mnangagwa's wife faces backlash over prison visit

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has come under public criticism after visiting Anymore Zvitsva, an alleged serial killer facing 25 murder charges in Guruve, Mashonaland Central.

Mnangagwa's March 14 visit to Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison was filmed, and Zvitsva, who has not yet been convicted, was reportedly asked to speak about the alleged crimes.

Explaining her visit, Mnangagwa said, "It was important for me to understand how such violence could emerge within our society." She also expressed sympathy for the victims' families, stating that "no words can erase that grief… as a nation, we must strengthen our values, protect our communities and support those affected by such tragedies."

The visit sparked immediate backlash from legal experts and members of the public, who warned that it could violate Zvitsva's legal rights.

"This is a man on trial. The number of his rights she has violated is just staggering," lawyer Thabani Mpofu wrote on X, citing rights including the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial, effective legal representation, and liberty. "A public official cannot get a suspect to confess without reading them their rights," he added.

In the video from the visit, Zvitsva appeared to admit to the killings, alleging that "prophets" had hired him to supply human blood and that women and children were killed for body parts, which he claimed were in demand among small-scale miners.

Critics also questioned whether Mnangagwa's visit was appropriate given that Zvitsva's case is sub judice. Analyst Brighton Musonza asked whether the interaction was conducted as academic research or a documentary project, highlighting concerns about informed consent and potential prejudice to ongoing court proceedings.

Other social media users questioned the First Lady's role, with some suggesting she was acting as a criminal psychologist, while others criticized her advisers. "Visiting a suspect in jail who is under due process is not a good idea. Victims must always come first," wrote user Blessing Bere.

The episode has reignited debate over the balance between public engagement, criminal justice, and the rights of individuals facing prosecution in Zimbabwe.