Khaliphani Phugeni Biography
Khaliphani Phugeni (also known as Khalipani Pugeni) is a Zimbabwean politician known for his involvement in the country’s opposition political landscape. Born in 1976, specific details about his place of birth, family, and early life remain undisclosed, contributing to the enigmatic nature of his personal background.
Khaliphani Phugeni is a Zimbabwean politician and former member of the MDC-T party. He is best known for his role as the MDC-T spokesperson and for his role as the spokesperson of controversial self-proclaimed CCC Interim-Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu.
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School / Education
There is no publicly available information regarding Khaliphani Phugeni’s primary or high school education or any tertiary education he may have pursued.
Service / Career
Removal as Party Spokesperson
Khaliphani Phugeni faced a significant setback in his political career when he was removed from the position of spokesperson for the MDC-T. This removal followed allegations of rape in November 2020.
In Senate – Patriotic Bill and Sanctions
In June 2023, Khaliphani Phugeni, while serving in the Senate, voiced his opinion on the Patriotic Bill. He expressed concerns that the bill, if passed, would hinder Zimbabwe’s efforts to engage with the international community. He emphasised his opposition to sanctions and argued that they had limited impact on those targeted, often allowing them to continue their lives unaffected, while ordinary citizens suffered.
Sengezo Tshabangu Spokesperson
Khaliphani Phugeni took on the role of spokesperson for Sengezo Tshabangu, the alleged mastermind behind the recalls of CCC National Assembly representatives in October 2023. Tshabangu’s recalls were intended to address what he saw as individuals misusing their proximity to the party leader, Nelson Chamisa.
Khaliphani Phugeni [Image Credit: Open Parly]
Controversies
Rape Case
In November 2020, Khaliphani Phugeni faced serious allegations of rape. He appeared before a magistrate, accused of raping a minor during the period extending from June to November 2018 in Emhlangeni and Magwegwe West, Bulawayo. Phugeni was arrested after the minor’s mother reported the incident to the police.
During his trial, Phugeni denied the charges and suggested that they might be politically motivated to tarnish his image. He was eventually acquitted of rape on December 7, 2020.
Possible CCC Affiliation
In February 2023, Khaliphani Phugeni, who had been suspended from the MDC-T, expressed the possibility of joining the CCC after the 31 March 2022 by-elections, if asked. This decision was based on the CCC’s ongoing efforts to establish its structures and the belief that Phugeni could play a role in the new party.
References
- MDC-T’s Phugeni raped my daughter — minor’s mother – Newsday, Published: Dec 2, 2022
- Dreaded Patriotic bill will isolate Zimbabwe from International community says opposition – The Zimbabwean, Published: 12 June 2023
- Sengezo Tshabangu Hints On More Recalls – Pindula, Published: Oct 12, 2023
- Khupe spokesperson claims rape allegations against him are political – Nehanda Radio, Published: Nov 13, 2022
- More CCC recalls on the cards – Tshabangu – The Chronicle, Published: Oct 11, 2023
- Divisions rock CCC Mat’land structures – Newsday, Published: Oct 11, 2023
