The Herald (Harare) Published by the government of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe: Ex-Dendera Member Faces Deportation

By Walter Chari, 2 May 2009

Harare — A FORMER member of the late Simon Chimbetu's Orchestra Dendera Kings is facing deportation in the United Kingdom.

Timothy Jemwa was recently arrested by UK immigration authorities for staying there without the necessary papers and is to appear in court soon facing charges of staying in the United Kingdom illegally.

Jemwa is one of the guitarists who absconded during Chimbetu's tour of the United Kingdom in 2003.

It is alleged that after the shows, Jemwa and another band member identified as Sam Mutsito disappeared, prompting Chimbetu to return without the duo.

Jemwa is now reportedly seeking asylum on the grounds he fears for his life because he was a "political activist".

He said since the launch of the MDC, he was a big supporter of the opposition party. Jemwa has joined a list of prominent people who have in the past applied for asylum in the UK, claiming they were running away from Zimbabwe due to persecution by the Government.

Names that quickly come to mind include Portia Gwanzura of the Hohodza fame and Henry Olonga, the former national cricket player.

They claimed they were persecuted by the government.

Tagged: Arts, Europe and Africa, External Relations, Music, Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

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