Did Mnangagwa help Lungu with a Zim diplomatic passport?

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The sudden death of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu in South Africa last month has taken a twist, with claims emerging that he was in the country using a Zimbabwean diplomatic passport.

Following Lungu’s death and delayed burial, claims are that he may have been travelling under a diplomatic passport, possibly with the help of his long-time ally, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Given the long-standing relationship between Lungu and Mnangagwa, some observers have begun asking the uncomfortable question: Did Zimbabwe’s leader help his ally by granting him special travel privileges?

Zanu PF dismisses the diplomatic passport claims as ‘falsehoods’

Zanu PF has denied the claims in the strongest terms.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana posted on X: “We wish to categorically state that the late former Zambian President, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu did not hold a Zimbabwean passport or nationality. Any such suggestions are just mischievous falsehoods.”

A broader pattern of passport abuse?

Journalists Hopewell Chin’ono and Maynard Manyowa have both highlighted concerns around the alleged misuse of diplomatic passports in Zimbabwe.

Manyowa claims that South African officials are raising concerns about the high number of red passport holders they encounter.

Chin’ono says authorities are handing these documents to girlfriends, wives of political elites, and even radio presenters.

Zimbabwean officials have long used diplomatic passports. The Gold Mafia documentary by Al Jazeera revealed how religious figure Uebert Angel allegedly used it.

He allegedly used his diplomatic status to smuggle gold out of the country. Taking advantage of the immunity that comes with such passports.