O Grace, where art thou?

Despite vehement denials by local authorities, a Zimbabwean parliamentarian yesterday told Namibian Sun that Grace Mugabe has fled to Namibia a day after the military took control of Zimbabwe. Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) MP Eddie Cross claimed Zimbabwe's controversial first lady was seeking political asylum in Namibia after her deposed husband Robert Mugabe reportedly negotiated with the military for her to flee the country while he prepares to step down. “What I understand is that Grace was given the opportunity to leave Zimbabwe, which she took. I understand she has left for Namibia and wants to seek asylum in Namibia due to issues that she has with the South African police following the now infamous Sandton assault charge,” said Cross. However, Namibian authorities yesterday denied that Grace was in the country. Some reputable journalists also confirmed last night that Grace was indeed still in Zimbabwe. International relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah specifically dismissed such reports when approached for comment by New Era. Attempts to reach the local Zimbabwean embassy proved futile yesterday. News that the Zimbabwean first lady has fled to Namibia was widely shared on social media networks as well as international media websites. The two countries enjoy strong relations. Zimbabwe's military seized power on Tuesday in an operation it claimed was targeting 'criminals' around the ailing and 93-year-old Mugabe. The long-serving Zimbabwean president also spoke to South African president Jacob Zuma, saying he was confined to his home, but fine. “There was a bit of gunfire and explosion in Harare on Tuesday evening. Mugabe is a prisoner of the army now, although they call him president or commander-in-chief,” said Cross. Social media was abuzz with the latest developments in neighbouring Zimbabwe yesterday, with many claiming a transitional government was being put in place. Cross, however, rejected this as “pure speculation”, adding Zimbabweans really do not know what is being discussed under the tables. “What I understand is that by Friday, Mugabe will give his last speech to the nation, he will announce his retirement from politics and install Emmerson Mnangagwa who will serve until Zanu-PF has elected a new president,” he said. The dismissed former vice-president returned to Zimbabwe yesterday to take control of the country's government. Nicknamed 'The Crocodile', Mnangagwa was sacked last week from government for, among other charges, disloyalty and little probity in the execution of duties. He later fled the country in the wake of his abrupt removal from office. Cross predicted that a cabinet reshuffle is likely to take place, while “Zimbabwe will once again have a constitutional government” this coming weekend. By yesterday a number of cabinet members, including the ministers of finance, education and youth were all detained by the army. Namibia concernedMeanwhile, the Namibian government said it was worried about the unfolding events in Zimbabwe. “Namibia is concerned that the present situation in Zimbabwe creates uncertainty that is not conducive to peace, stability and consolidation of democracy in Zimbabwe and the region as a whole,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah. “Namibia notes that the Zimbabwe Defence Force has assured the Zimbabwe public and the international community at large that they have not overthrown the Government of Zimbabwe and that they have no intention to take over the governance of the country.” The PDM also issued a statement in which it called for a peaceful transitional of power. “The Popular Democratic Movement would also like to issue a call to the would-be transition government that its first order of business should be to set the wheels in motion for free and fair elections as soon as possible. It is only through an authentic democratic process that peace, order, socio-economic stability, and good governance can truly be restored and put in the handsof its rightful owners – the Zimbabwean people.” JEMIMA BEUKES SOUGHT-AFTER: Beleaguered Zimbabwean First Lady Grace Mugabe.Photo: NAMPA/AP

O Grace, where art thou?

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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O Grace, where art thou?

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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