JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Former Zimbabwean cabinet minister and exiled political figure Saviour Kasukuwere has reportedly gone into hiding following a series of death threats linked to the alleged disappearance of $11 million intended to fund anti-government protests.
The controversy, which has sent shockwaves through the Zimbabwean diaspora and political circles, centers on claims that Kasukuwere misappropriated funds provided by a wealthy Zimbabwean business tycoon based in South Africa.
The fallout became public following a series of social media posts and reports from individuals previously associated with the former local government minister. High-profile activist LynneM led the charge, publicly labeling Kasukuwere as “untrustworthy” and accusing him of betraying those who had placed their confidence in him.
Adding to the claims, Jealousy Mawarire, former spokesperson for the National Patriotic Front (NPF), alleged that Kasukuwere had previously attempted to intimidate him.
Mawarire claimed that the former minister once threatened to have his “bones broken” by hired thugs during a past disagreement.
Media personality Ali Naka has also joined the chorus of critics, pointing an accusatory finger at Kasukuwere as the financial scandal began to unfold.
According initially to reports, the $11 million was provided by a prominent Zimbabwean businessman operating in the South African tobacco industry. The funds were reportedly earmarked for organizing large- scale protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, specifically targeting efforts to extend the presidential term limit beyond the constitutional two-term limit.
However, the planned demonstrations failed to materialize as expected. Sources suggest that the funds, originally intended for the “Geza” protest movement, were allegedly diverted to cover costs related to opposing “Bill 3″—a proposed constitutional amendment.
The situation escalated when Danmore Mambondiyani, a former ZANU-PF youth leader, reportedly began demanding the immediate return of the funds. Mambondiyani is said to be leading the charge in seeking accountability for the missing money, which is now purportedly needed to support upcoming protest actions planned by supporters of opposition figure Tendai Biti.
Faced with mounting pressure and direct threats to his life from both the financial backers and disappointed organizers, Kasukuwere has reportedly fled his usual residence in South Africa.
“He is taking these threats very seriously,” said a close associate who requested anonymity. “When you deal with the amounts of money involved and the individuals behind them, you don’t take chances. He is in a secure location until this situation can be resolved.”
As of now, Saviour Kasukuwere has not released an official statement regarding the allegations. This development marks a significant turn for the former “G40” faction leader, who has been living in exile since the military intervention that ousted the late Robert Mugabe in November 2017.
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