Online Mnangagwa Critic Caught In Alleged US$10,000 Cash Trap
Source: Online Mnangagwa Critic Caught In Alleged US$10,000 Cash Trap ⋆ Pindula News A well-known critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa was arrested in Harare on Friday after allegedly being trapped with US$10,000. Malcom Masarira, better known as Traore, has gained a large online following for his outspoken support of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s presidential ambitions. He […]
A well-known critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa was arrested in Harare on Friday after allegedly being trapped with US$10,000.
Malcom Masarira, better known as Traore, has gained a large online following for his outspoken support of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s presidential ambitions.
He is now facing several charges, including inciting violence and attempting to undermine a constitutional government.
According to NewsDay, sources close to the investigation said Masarira was caught in a sting operation involving his close friend, Lovemore Thomson, also known as “Shorty”, who allegedly used the US$10,000 as bait.
Masarira is currently being held at Harare Central Police Station.
It’s understood that Thomson arranged to meet Masarira in Harare, which led to the activist revealing his home address.
He was later arrested after reportedly going on a spending spree in the capital.
Thomson, however, has denied the claims, insisting he played no role in setting up his friend and knows nothing about the alleged trap. He said:
“I am told there are people who are saying I was given US$10 000. They just want to tarnish my image, these are dogs. I am not a bogus person. I cannot defend myself now because they just want to tarnish my image.”
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Masarira’s arrest but said he could not share more details.
Masarira, who recently returned to Zimbabwe from South Africa, once contested in the ZANU-PF primary elections for the Chikanga constituency. He has since taken to social media to rally support for his political cause.
His campaign for Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga to succeed President Mnangagwa, run under the “General Chiwenga for President” banner, has gained thousands of followers online.
