Ramaphosa faces backlash: ‘We understand the criticism’ after photo with wanted man

President Cyril Ramaphosa was photographed walking alongside Joachim “G6” Chivayo, a declared wanted man by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in South Africa, while on a trip to Zimbabwe. The Presidency said that they “understand the criticism” and the concern raised after President Cyril Ramaphosa was photographed walking alongside Joachim “G6” Chivayo, a declared wanted man by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in South Africa, while on a trip to Zimbabwe. The development builds onIOL’s November 28, 2024 report detailing the arrest of Chivayo and Ayanda Brian Gungwa afterthey were found in possession of six bars of unwrought gold valued at approximately R15 million during a Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation operation in Brakpan, Ekurhuleni.

A Mercedes-Benz SUV was also seized at the time. While hosting a media briefing on Wednesday to update the public on the president’s programme, Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, began by explaining how the president ended up alongside the wanted individual. “The president undertook a working visit to the Republic of Zimbabwe at the invitation of His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The visit was an opportunity for both heads of state to engage over a wide range of issues of mutual and bilateral interest. “South Africa and Zimbabwe maintain a deeply historical relationship of bonds that were formed during their respective struggles against colonialism and Apartheid. The two countries further enjoy a political and dynamic trade relationship,” Magwenya said.

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According to Magwenya, Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa opted to move their meeting to Mnangagwa’s farm. This setting was chosen to allow for a relaxed discussion, free from the strict protocol of formal presidential engagements.

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