Mwonzora’s UK Visit Ends in Disgrace: Hotel Ban and Potential Arrest Loom

By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo

Douglas Mwonzora, leader of Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and a prominent legal professional, has been banned from a Premier Inn hotel in Oxford after a shocking display of unacceptable behavior.

The incident began when Mwonzora arrived at the Banbury, Oxford, hotel seeking lodging. However, his behavior quickly took a disturbing turn. He verbally assaulted two female staff members, questioning their English proficiency and boasting about his dairy farm, which produces 12,000 liters of milk daily.

Despite his payment card repeatedly declining, Simba Chikanza, a journalist at ZimEye, intervened to cover the costs for Mwonzora’s and his own rooms. Mwonzora continued his tirade, demanding solitude and claiming Chikanza’s presence was unwanted.

Hotel staff and British clients were horrified, with some calling for police intervention. Mwonzora claimed special security protection, wearing an official UK Labour Party jacket, leaving many perplexed.

Throughout the night, Mwonzora caused disturbances at various train stations, triggering a missing person alert at one station while searching for alcohol. His actions raised concerns about his fitness for leadership.

Mwonzora’s behavior also tarnished the image of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, and he may face reprimand. As a seasoned lawyer who played a key role in Zimbabwe’s constitutional amendments, his actions deserve condemnation.

Eyewitnesses described Mwonzora’s behavior as wayward and primitive, displaying a horrible character. He disturbed other hotel guests with loud shouts, roaming the hotel barefooted and struggling to stand due to intoxication.

Wearing the Labour Party’s red jacket, walking barefooted, and sporting a clean-shaven bald head, Mwonzora’s antics drew comparisons to a Hollywood Kung Fu film’s drunken master.

Mwonzora fled the hotel before staff completed paperwork for racial abuse reporting. A manager later informed Chikanza that Mwonzora would not be allowed back. As Mwonzora remains in the UK, he faces potential arrest for multiple offenses, impacting Zimbabwe’s political future.

The UK Labour Party’s relationship with Mwonzora has come under fire, prompting calls for clarification on their stance regarding his actions. Mwonzora’s behavior raises significant questions about his leadership and character, undermining trust and stability in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.