By A Correspondent | ZimEye | The recent decision by the family of incarcerated journalist Blessing Mhlanga to appoint the journalist Hopewell Chin’ono as their public coordinator has ignited a fierce debate. While some see Chin’ono as a powerful advocate with international influence, others produce video evidence of him of using journalism as a cover for unethical financial interests, including more sinister allegations related to airport security sabotage activities.
This debate has been compounded by growing concerns over Chin’ono’s alleged role in airport security sabotage operations, which are linked to financial terrorism operations. Critics argue that his involvement in such activities—encouraging security disruptions at Heathrow Airport on May 29, 2024, that encouraged the attempted hacking of Gatwick Airport’s security systems in August 2024 raises serious ethical and security questions, that could affect Mhlanga’s case. (See video footage ).
Chin’ono is the journalist whose activism career since 2020 was sugar-coated on a fervent claim by him that an NHS practitioner Grace Mupfurutsa who accuses him of being a credit card fraudster, was sent by the Zimbabwe regime to a media outfit called Gambakwe, something that did not, and would never happen at any time.
The Case for Chin’ono’s Appointment
- Media Influence & International Reach
Chin’ono is a widely recognized journalist with international reach. If the Mhlanga family aims to bring global attention to their cause, Chin’ono’s platform could be an asset, although there are - Experience in Advocacy
Having been arrested multiple times for exposing corruption, Chin’ono understands Zimbabwe’s legal and political landscape. His experience could help Mhlanga’s family navigate legal strategies to challenge his imprisonment. - Public Trust in Journalism awarded documents.
His appointment may bring visibility to Mhlanga’s case in ways that traditional legal or diplomatic channels cannot. And what if the picture is the opposite?
Concerns Over Chin’ono’s Role
- Allegations of Political Espionage & Double-Agency
One of the strongest arguments against Chin’ono’s appointment is the claim that he operates as a double agent, using journalism as a cover to manipulate Zimbabwean opposition politics. Some critics like Hulu (@pachisolife) argue that he feeds intelligence to state actors, both locally and internationally, in exchange for protection and financial gain.
His alleged ability to access sensitive information—including Nelson Chamisa’s political strategies and financial transactions—has led to speculation that he is playing both sides, undermining opposition movements while maintaining the appearance of an independent journalist. The Jennifer Banyure Gatwick Airport Hacking Documentary contains stretches of disclosures of Chin’ono’s operations.
“Whose interest is he serving? Is he not a double-sided spy? If he is, we will call him out. No one is too important to be questioned. Zimbabwe is bleeding, and we are tired of these gymnastics,” says Hulu in a Twitter space on 5 March 2025.
- Links to Financial Terrorism & Airport Security Breaches
New allegations have emerged that Chin’ono has played a role in airport security sabotage operations, particularly involving Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.
• On May 29, 2024, he posted announcements encouraging the breaching of Heathrow Airport by a Zimbabwean smuggler, who was eventually caught in the act. He instructed his social media followers to evade anti-money laundering investigators and researchers like Al Jazeera. (See the full documentary)
• More recently, his statements encouraged the attempted hacking of Gatwick Airport’s security networks, by an identity scammer Jennifer Banyure raising speculation about his involvement in worse activities.
If true, these allegations not only undermine his credibility but also pose a direct national security risk for any movement that associates with him. The Mhlanga family may find themselves inadvertently linked to activities that extend far beyond their intended advocacy for press freedom.
- Risk of Politicizing Mhlanga’s Case
While Mhlanga’s detention is primarily a press freedom issue, having Chin’ono as the face of the campaign may shift the focus to broader political narratives. This could lead to Zimbabwean authorities digging in their heels rather than engaging in dialogue.
Moreover, if Chin’ono’s name becomes further entangled in security-related criminal allegations, Mhlanga’s case could suffer collateral damage, making his release even more difficult.
- Financial Motives and Exploitation Risks
Chin’ono has been accused of monetizing political activism, using high-profile cases to fundraise for personal gain. Critics argue that his involvement in Mhlanga’s case may not be out of genuine concern but rather an opportunity to capitalize financially. The Mhlanga family must consider whether his appointment truly serves their interests or primarily benefits Chin’ono’s personal brand.
Balancing the Risks and Benefits
The Mhlanga family must weigh the potential visibility and advocacy benefits of Chin’ono’s appointment against the political and security risks associated with his alleged double-agency activities, Hulu argues.
If the priority is global media coverage, Chin’ono’s involvement might be useful. However, if the goal is to secure Mhlanga’s release through legal and diplomatic channels, his presence could complicate matters—especially given his alleged links to security breaches and financial terrorism crimes.
Documentary video-
Conclusion: A Risky Choice?
The decision to make Hopewell Chin’ono the face of Blessing Mhlanga’s advocacy campaign is highly controversial. While he has the influence to amplify Mhlanga’s case, his alleged involvement in intelligence activities, airport security breaches, and financial sabotage crimes could seriously undermine the legitimacy of the campaign.
The Mhlanga family must carefully reconsider whether aligning with Chin’ono will truly help their cause—or whether it could turn a press freedom case into a dangerous political and security entanglement.