Zimbabwe Rejects Ian Khama's Assassination Plot Claims as 'Baseless'

By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times

HARARE – Zimbabwe's Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, has dismissed allegations by former Botswana President Ian Khama that the Zimbabwean government is plotting to assassinate him, describing the claims as "entirely false" and unsupported by evidence.

Khama made the allegations in an interview with the Masvingo Mirror, claiming he had been warned by two independent sources of an alleged plot linked to his criticism of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Constitutional Amendment No. 3.

"I was contacted by two sources with information that there is a plot by the Government of Mnangagwa to kill me," Khama was quoted as saying. "I am making this information public so that people know where to look if anything happens to me."

Khama further alleged that a senior Zimbabwean intelligence official recently travelled to Botswana and met local intelligence counterparts as part of the purported operation. However, he did not provide evidence to support the allegations, and they have not been independently verified.

Responding in a statement, Mangwana rejected the claims, saying the Government of Zimbabwe had no interest in targeting the former Botswana leader.

"The Government of Zimbabwe categorically rejects these allegations. They are entirely false, baseless and unsupported by any credible evidence," Mangwana said.

He added that serious allegations of this nature should be supported by verifiable evidence rather than anonymous claims circulated through the media.

"Serious allegations of this nature cannot become fact simply because they are repeated publicly. If Mr Khama possesses credible evidence, the appropriate course is to submit it to the relevant law enforcement and security authorities rather than litigating the matter through the media."

Khama linked the alleged plot to his outspoken criticism of Zimbabwe's Constitutional Amendment No. 3, arguing that the legislation was designed to strengthen President Mnangagwa's hold on power.

"Constitutional Amendment Number 3 is self-seeking. That Constitution was amended for one man. It is not in the interest of the people of Zimbabwe," Khama said.

Mangwana dismissed the criticism, saying Zimbabwe's constitutional and political processes are matters for Zimbabweans.

"Zimbabwe is a sovereign state with constitutional institutions that do not require responding to political commentary by a retired foreign leader. His opinions on Zimbabwe's internal affairs, whether favourable or otherwise, are of no consequence to the Government of Zimbabwe."

Mangwana also rejected suggestions that Zimbabwe would carry out covert operations in neighbouring Botswana, saying such claims undermined the cordial relations between the two countries.

"The suggestion that Zimbabwe would dispatch intelligence operatives into Botswana to target Mr Khama is not only false but also an affront to the cordial and longstanding relations between our two countries. Zimbabwe respects Botswana's sovereignty and remains committed to maintaining strong bilateral relations."

Khama also alleged that a senior Botswana intelligence official involved in the purported meetings had previously been linked to threats against him dating back to 2019. Those claims have likewise not been independently verified.

Mangwana said the government remained focused on governance, economic development and regional cooperation.

"Zimbabwe remains focused on governance, economic development and regional cooperation. We will not be distracted by sensational allegations that lack factual foundation."

The allegations and the government's response come amid strained relations between Khama and Botswana's current administration, as well as the former president's continued criticism of political developments in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Ian Khama assassination plot claims