Information Secretary Nick Mangwana has dismissed allegations by former Botswana President Ian Khama that the Zimbabwean government is plotting to assassinate him, describing the claims as baseless and unsupported by evidence.
Khama made the allegations in an interview with the Masvingo Mirror, claiming he had received warnings from two independent sources about an alleged plot linked to his criticism of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zimbabwe’s 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 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 claims, and the allegations have not been independently verified.
Responding to the allegations, Mangwana issued a strong denial, saying 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 said Khama’s claims were founded on unnamed sources and speculation rather than verifiable facts.
“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,” he said.
Khama linked the alleged plot to his outspoken criticism of Mnangagwa and Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which he argued was designed to entrench the Zimbabwean president’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 that assertion, saying Zimbabwe’s constitutional and political processes were domestic matters.
“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,” he said.
Mangwana further rejected suggestions that Zimbabwe would conduct covert operations in Botswana.
“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,” he said.
Khama also claimed that a senior Botswana intelligence official allegedly involved in meetings with Zimbabwean counterparts had previously been linked to threats against him dating back to 2019, allegations that have likewise not been independently verified.
Mangwana said the government considered the matter closed.
“Zimbabwe remains focused on governance, economic development and regional cooperation. We will not be distracted by sensational allegations that lack factual foundation,” he said.
