Zimbabwean businessman Simon Rudland says he has become the target of what he describes as a coordinated social media smear campaign and attempted extortion involving fabricated claims that he is linked to a plot to overthrow the government.
Rudland, co-owner of Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation, has been accused by anonymous users on the platform X (Twitter) of financing political activities aimed at undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
The businessman, whose interests span tobacco, mining, construction and logistics, reportedly employs more than 30,000 people and holds investments estimated at over US$1 billion.
“I generally don’t respond to social media, however it is both disheartening and unacceptable to find my name being mentioned in conspiracy theories that are baseless and evidently orchestrated to undermine my professional reputation,” Rudland said in a statement.
Sources claimed the campaign was launched by several Zanu PF apologists who unsuccessfully attempted to extort money from Rudland under the guise of funding party projects.
When the businessman refused the demands, the group allegedly initiated the digital campaign to damage his reputation.
The allegations surfaced amid rising political tensions regarding the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
The bill seeks to extend President Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the current 2028 limit.
Fabricated reports claimed Rudland was financing the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF), an organisation led by former Finance minister Tendai Biti that is working to block the amendment.
The smear campaign alleged that Rudland was collaborating with Biti and former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere in a project to undermine the state.
The controversy follows a broader crackdown on critics of the constitutional changes.
A Zanu PF activist, Talent Rusere, has filed a court application to block several high-profile figures, including Biti and Fadzai Mahere, from speaking against the amendments.
Lovemore Madhuku, a lawyer representing war veterans challenging the bill, was recently attacked by unknown individuals despite a heavy police presence.
Both Madhuku and Biti have approached the courts seeking orders against the police for barring legal meetings related to the constitutional dispute.
Despite the attacks, Rudland has remained a consistent supporter of the government’s economic development agenda and continues to expand his business interests within the country
