Harare – Munyaradzi Angelo Savanhu, the author of the recently launched biography of opposition figure Job Sikhala, has hit back at accusations that he “sold Jobho out” while the pair were in South Africa. In a series of statements released on social media and in interviews, Savanhu outlined his version of events and challenged the narrative put forward by critics, notably the Twitter handle @MacBelts.
Savanhu began by emphasizing his personal ties to Sikhala’s inner circle. “I am a personal friend of Mr Tagwirei from church,” he said, adding that his role as Sikhala’s biographer gave him a unique perspective on the politician’s life. He stressed that he is not a member of Zanu PF, though he “could be if I chose,” and clarified that he is not part of Sikhala’s working group.
The biographer also addressed the financing of Sikhala’s book launch, stating that the events were “funded by some Zanu PF supporters.” He dismissed suggestions that he had any ulterior motive, saying, “If Job is blaming me for his arrest, he is lying.”
Savanhu recounted a trip to Botswana earlier this year, during which Sikhala allegedly tried to enlist his help to meet former Botswana president Ian Khama for a biography project. While in Botswana, Sikhala reportedly received calls from individuals he identified as “Joseph Kabila’s boys.” According to Savanhu, Sikhala told him he was speaking directly with Kabila, who wanted Sikhala to close a deal in South Africa.
The proposed transaction, Savanhu said, involved delivering a package of the rare metal palladium – valued at roughly US $5 million – to a white South African woman named Monalisa. Savanhu claimed the deal would have netted Sikhala and his organization a “good commission.”
Both Savanhu and a South African contact warned Sikhala that the arrangement sounded suspicious. “I warned him, but he was furious,” Savanhu recalled. “He berated me throughout the flight from Gaborone to Johannesburg.”
Savanhu added that Sikhala boasted of being an intelligence expert trained by Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and said he “knew what he was doing.” He also alleged that Sikhala mentioned a plan by Kabila to carry out further activities from Goma and to link “Wiwa” with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
When the pair arrived in South Africa, Sikhala allegedly called a contact in the Hawks for added security after his uncle’s phone went dead. The security detail was later cancelled on the uncle’s advice. Savanhu said Sikhala then went with the “Kabila guy” to his uncle’s house, after which they “shook me off” and continued their business while he was left at the Sandton Sky hotel.
“I didn’t see Sikhala again until I flew back to Harare on an early FlySafair flight,” Savanhu said. He learned of Sikhala’s arrest only later that evening.
Savanhu concluded by reiterating that the accusations against him are unfounded. “I have nothing to hide. The facts speak for themselves, and I stand by my account of what happened,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have not commented on the specifics of Savanhu’s statements, and no charges have been filed against him. The controversy adds another layer to the already turbulent narrative surrounding Job Sikhala, who remains a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s opposition politics.