Journalist and political activist Hopewell Chin’ono has publicly accused Comfort Dondo of being a regime asset, revealing her attempts to discredit him and manipulate young male political activists in Zimbabwe.
Sharing his experience on social media, Chin’ono described Dondo as a “honey trap” envoy sent by the ruling ZANU-PF party to bait him amidst the politically charged climate of the nation.
Chin’ono’s allegations are underpinned by communications he has publicly shared—emails and WhatsApp messages from Dondo, which he claims illustrate her attempts to cultivate a close relationship with him over the past two years. When her overtures were rebuffed, Chin’ono states that Dondo became aggressive, using social media and public forums to launch attacks against his character and criticize his journalistic work.
During a recent Twitter Space session, Dondo reportedly expressed her frustration over Chin’ono’s critiques of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, echoing the ZANU-PF narrative that Chen’ono’s exposure of governmental corruption was ultimately damaging to Zimbabwe.
“Any journalist would not have a personal vendetta against Emmerson Mnangagwa,” she stated.
A claim Chin’ono vehemently disagrees with given the dire realities facing the nation under the current regime, including rampant unemployment, staggering inflation, and gross human rights abuses.
Chin’ono credits his awareness of Dondo’s intentions to warnings from other opposition individuals, highlighting the necessity for vigilance among activists who may find themselves targeted by regime operatives.
Chin’ono concluded his warning by urging fellow activists to be cautious about whom they trust online.
“I was lucky not to be trapped. Others might not be so lucky. Be careful about the women who reach out to you online or social media!” he warned.
