Anti-Mnangagwa activist fights extradition from South Africa

A South African court last week became the stage for a dramatic and tense confrontation as Zimbabwean activist Nyokayemabhunu, also known as Wellington Masiiwa, fought extradition back to Zimbabwe. The case, which has drawn wide attention, highlights the fraught political relations spilling over national borders.

Masiiwa has been held in custody in South Africa since April 13 on charges of violating immigration laws, specifically contravening Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act for being in the country without a valid visa or permit. His supporters claim the charges are a pretext in what they describe as a politically motivated extradition attempt by the Zimbabwean government.

Last Thursday and Friday, Masiiwa appeared before the Randburg magistrates' court where the prosecution and defence presented spirited arguments. After hearing submissions, the magistrate postponed judgment on the bail application until June 10.

However, the court proceedings themselves were overshadowed by a violent and chaotic protest outside the courtroom. Hundreds of Zimbabwean nationals, voicing strong support for Masiiwa, clashed with Interpol officers who had been present to assist with the extradition process. Protesters hurled shoes and insults, chanting anti-Zanu-PF slogans, forcing uniformed Interpol officers to retreat amid the chaos. South African police struggled to contain the crowd as tensions escalated.

One protester captured on video shouted, "We know who sent them! Interpol is just a hit squad now!" This incident has sparked outrage among civic society groups and activists who accuse Interpol of colluding with the Zimbabwean regime. Critics argue that the law enforcement agency is being used as a tool to suppress dissent.

South African-based Zimbabwean activist Kudzai Saruwaka condemned the handling of the case, alleging political interference by Harare. Saruwaka claimed Zimbabwe's intelligence operatives are covertly operating in Johannesburg, targeting activists and fabricating evidence to justify arrests and extraditions. "We are dealing with a regime that wants to eliminate anyone seen as a threat to the Mnangagwa family dynasty," Saruwaka said, warning that South African courts must resist becoming instruments in Zimbabwe's internal political conflicts.

The Zimbabwean government's extradition request accuses Masiiwa of fraud related to a residential stand sale in 2014. During court proceedings, Zimbabwe's deputy prosecutor general Nelson Mutsonziwa assured the court that Masiiwa will not be charged with political offenses if extradited.

As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are now on the June 10 hearing when the magistrate is expected to decide on Masiiwa's bail. The case has become a flashpoint, exposing the deep political rifts between activists and the Zimbabwean government, while raising concerns about the role of South African institutions in the region's contentious political landscape.