Veteran investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa, the lead producer of Dug Up, has announced his intention to investigate the academic credentials of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa. This comes after Dug Up gained widespread attention for exposing alleged fake PhD holders in Zimbabwe.
Manyowa’s latest target was revealed through social media interactions. Responding to political activist Ali Naka on Twitter, Manyowa indicated that his team needed resources and support to scrutinise the First Lady’s doctorate. Similarly, on Facebook, he responded to Licious Murwisi, expressing willingness to investigate General Chiwenga’s PhD—provided that resources were made available.
This move is likely to attract significant attention, given that General Chiwenga has historically taken legal action against those questioning his credentials. The Vice President previously filed a $5 million defamation lawsuit against former Cabinet Minister Jonathan Moyo, who had suggested that Chiwenga did not personally author his PhD thesis at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Manyowa is no stranger to controversy, having previously investigated figures such as Prophet Walter Magaya, businessman Shacky Timburwa, MP Tatenda Mavetera, and former minister Walter Mzembi. His work has led to widespread debate, with some questioning his motivations.
What makes Manyowa’s latest probe particularly intriguing is his past stance on political events in Zimbabwe. He was a vocal supporter of the 2017 Operation Restore Legacy, which led to the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe. Additionally, he testified before the Motlanthe Commission, blaming opposition protesters for the violence that resulted in the fatal shooting of six civilians by security forces on August 1, 2018.
