Themba Gorimbo hammers ‘reckless speaker’ Tagwirei, tells him ‘think before you talk’

MIAMI – Zimbabwean Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star Themba Gorimbo has once again taken a dig at a ZANU PF politician, this time criticising controversial tenderpreneur Kudakwashe Tagwirei.

As usual, Gorimbo used his official social media platforms to express his views, labelling Tagwirei a “reckless speaker” and accusing him of being “selfish.”

This follows remarks by Tagwirei, who is reportedly being touted by some as a possible successor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, suggesting that the ruling party is working on a new policy to remove foreigners from tuckshops, fuel stations and the transport and logistics sector.

According to Tagwirei, such businesses should be reserved for Zimbabweans.

Speaking at a ZANU PF rally in Epworth on Wednesday, Tagwirei said: “Takaona zvakare kuti vanhu (foreigners) vakuuya kuZimbabwe, vakutora zvakare mabhizimusi anofanirwa kusiirwa maZimbabweans.

“Saka takawirirana kuti toda kuisa maregulations anoita kuti panofanirwa kuita ma reserve sectors ano promoter vanhu veZimbabwe.

“Saka hatichadi kuona maforeigners achiita matuckshop, hatichadi kuona maforeigners achiita ma service station, hatichadi kuona maforeigners achiita maLorry. MaLorry ndeemu Zimbabwe.

“Zvese, matuckshop, fuel service stations nemaLorry, ndezvemu Zimbabwe. Tisiireyiwo izvozvo.”

However, Gorimbo appeared to suggest that Tagwirei’s comments were self-serving, arguing that most Zimbabweans lack the financial capacity to run such businesses while Tagwirei, reportedly a billionaire, could personally benefit.

The US-based fighter, who has previously criticised public figures such as Wicknell Chivayo and former boxer Charles Manyuchi, also questioned Tagwirei’s suitability for national leadership.

On Facebook, he wrote: “Reckless speaking. When you only think for yourself, you make such statements, yet half of the nation’s population is scattered around the world.

“Growing up, we were told to think before we talk. Hameno kuti dzarashika papi. Yet this guy (Tagwirei) wants to be the next president or is being pushed as the next president.

“Where will Zimbabweans in South Africa go if their prominent rich man speaks like this? South Africans can say this because their economy is enough for their people. Zimbabwe’s economy is only enough for ZANU-affiliated.”

In recent months, Gorimbo has been openly criticising ZANU PF on social media.

He has repeatedly blamed the ruling party for the country’s economic challenges, often citing corruption as a major factor.