Allegations that James Makamba seeks asylum in the UK

By Violet Gonda
15 September 2005

It’s reported that businessman and former ZANU PF Provincial Chairman James Makamba has fled to the United Kingdom where he is allegedly seeking asylum. His lawyer George Chikumbirike could not confirm these reports but could only say that his client is out of the country but he didn’t know where he was.
Makamba was acquitted by the High Court last month on a charge of violating forex exchange control regulations, but this decision was reversed by the Supreme Court after the state appealed.

The Financial Gazette said they had established that the businessman, who earlier this month failed to appear for a routine court hearing at the Harare magistrates courts, consulted a UK-based law firm run by Zimbabweans, to process his application for asylum. The law firm, Chipatiso and Company Solicitors, denied that they were representing Makamba.

The paper said South Africa, where Makamba has been spotted recently, is proving to be a not-so-secure sanctuary for the former ZANU PF legislator, who fears that the government might strike a deal with Pretoria to have him extradited.

Makamba claims senior members of the Central Intelligence Organisation are after his head although he has not disclosed the reasons behind his alleged persecution. He says the CIO forced him to shut down his Z$9.5 billion Blue Ridge Sweet Valley retail supermarket in Mazowe.

The former radio presenter joins a growing number of Zimbabwean business executives who have skipped the country following allegations of corruption.

Speculation is rife that the businessman probably got too adventurous in his love life, with some even suggesting a risky affair with the First Lady, Grace Mugabe.