Ramaphosa Clarifies Zimbabwe Visit Amid Reports Linking “Person of Interest” to Meeting

President Cyril Ramaphosa has clarified the nature of his recent working visit to Zimbabwe following reports alleging that an individual sought by South African law enforcement agencies was present during engagements held in the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, the Presidency confirmed that President Ramaphosa undertook a working visit to Zimbabwe on Sunday, 3 May 2026, at the invitation of Emmerson Mnangagwa. The visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and discussing issues of mutual interest between the two neighboring states.

According to the statement, South Africa and Zimbabwe continue to maintain “deeply historical bonds” forged during their respective struggles against colonialism and apartheid. The Presidency further highlighted the strong economic relationship between the two countries, noting that South African exports to Zimbabwe totaled approximately US$4.30 billion in 2025, with agricultural products and machinery accounting for a significant share of trade.

The Presidency revealed that both Heads of State agreed to hold discussions at President Mnangagwa’s farm in what was described as a more relaxed environment outside the constraints of official state protocol. President Ramaphosa was also said to have expressed interest in understanding how President Mnangagwa is supporting local farmers in communities neighboring the farm.

However, controversy emerged after reports surfaced identifying an individual regarded as a “person of interest” by South African law enforcement authorities as having been present during the visit.

Responding to the reports, the Presidency stated that President Ramaphosa “had no prior knowledge” of who would be present during the engagements and was not familiar with the individual in question.

“The President flew to Zimbabwe for a meeting with his counterpart and nothing else,” the statement emphasized.

President Ramaphosa further encouraged South African law enforcement agencies to continue pursuing ongoing investigations “with no fear or hesitation,” underscoring that any matters under investigation should proceed independently and without interference.

The statement comes amid growing public scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the visit, with political observers closely monitoring developments due to the strategic and historical importance of relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The visit also reflects ongoing efforts by both governments to deepen political cooperation and regional economic integration at a time when Southern African nations are seeking to strengthen trade, agricultural resilience, and cross-border investment within the framework of regional development initiatives.