Tinotenda Hove -Zimbabwean national Wellington Masiwa, widely known online as Nyokayemabhunu, has officially been served with an international warrant of arrest in South Africa at the request of the Zimbabwean government. The warrant cites an outstanding fraud conviction which authorities allege Masiwa must return to Zimbabwe to serve.

According to investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, Masiwa has been in South African police custody since April 13, 2025, after being arrested for immigration violations. He was charged under Section 49(1) of South Africa’s Immigration Act for residing in the country without a valid visa or permit.

During a court appearance at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court today, where the international warrant was formally presented, confusion over Masiwa’s identity delayed bail proceedings. He submitted a Zimbabwean birth certificate and national ID reflecting a 1987 birth year, while the Zimbabwean government claims he was born in 1977. The Zimbabwean Embassy has since alleged the documents are fraudulent.

The case has been postponed to May 9, 2025, pending further verification of his identity and documentation.

Masiwa’s legal team, led by lawyer Chrispen Machingura, argues the fraud charge is politically motivated. According to his defense, Zimbabwean authorities are using the charge as a pretext to extradite him and silence his activism. Masiwa is known for operating several WhatsApp groups that were critical of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, which he ran from South Africa.

In a troubling development, Machingura also revealed that the WhatsApp groups formerly managed by Masiwa have been hijacked and are now circulating pornographic content, a move the defense says is part of a broader smear campaign.

As the extradition and identity battle continues, the case is drawing regional attention due to its potential implications on freedom of expression and political persecution.

The court’s decision on May 9 is expected to provide further clarity on Masiwa’s fate.