HARARE — Zimbabwean tycoon Simon Rudland has given the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) a 48-hour ultimatum to withdraw explosive claims that he bankrolled a plot to destabilise the government.
Through his lawyer Norman Chimuka, Rudland is demanding a full retraction and apology over a March 10 article that accused him of funding violent protests aimed at unseating President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Allegations of regime change plot
The ZBC report alleged Rudland was a key financier behind a network involving exiled former minister Saviour Kasukuwere and activist Danmore Mambondiyani. It claimed the group sought to trigger unrest and force unconstitutional political change.
It also linked the alleged plan to a civic platform associated with former finance minister Tendai Biti, which opposes extending Mnangagwa’s rule.
‘False and malicious’
Rudland’s legal team says the publication amounts to a serious accusation of treason, made without evidence or basic journalistic checks.
They argue ZBC failed to seek Rudland’s response and relied on unnamed sources, damaging his reputation.
“If the statements are not withdrawn, we will proceed without further notice,” the lawyers warned, signalling a possible court battle.
Business heavyweight hits back
Rudland, one of Zimbabwe’s richest entrepreneurs, has built a vast regional empire spanning tobacco, transport, mining and agriculture, employing thousands.
He has flatly rejected the claims, calling them baseless and defamatory.
Silence from ZBC
ZBC had not publicly responded by the time of publication.
Sources suggest the controversy may be linked to alleged political funding pressures, though these claims remain unverified.
The dispute now sets the stage for a high-stakes legal and political showdown.
