HARARE – The Zimbabwean embassy in Botswana has issued a warning on Zimbabweans living in the neighbouring country to be cautious of potential harm among locals following claims Botswana’s ruling party was preparing to rig the general elections by using Zimbabweans to vote for incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
In a Friday statement, ambassador Henry Mukonoweshuro urged Zimbabweans to be cautious ahead of Botswana’s 30 October elections in which Masisi, a Zanu PF ally, is seeking re-election.
“Following recent social media reports alleging possible involvement of Zimbabwean nationals in the Botswana electoral processes and the negative reactions thereafter, the Embassy wishes to advise all Zimbabwean nationals resident in Botswana to exercise caution during this election period.
“The Embassy has been assured by the Botswana Police Services (BPS) that all law abiding citizens, including Zimbabweans should not fear to go about their daily routine during the electoral period,” said the ambassador.
Speaking while campaigning for an opposition parliamentary candidate in Francistown recently, former Botswana President Ian Khama accused Zanu PF of sending agents to rig the forthcoming elections in Botswana.
While this has not yet been substantiated, claims by the former Botswana President could find takers from recent experiences in which some Zimbabweans were reportedly drafted in to vote in favour of FRELIMO in just ended Mozambican elections.
However, there are no known incidents of attacks yet on Zimbabweans living in Botswana based on claims by Khama.
