Khaliphani Phugeni

School / Education

No information was found on his Junior or High School, or any tertiary education.

Service / Career

Removal as Party Spokesperson

He was removed from the position of spokesperson for the MDC-T following rape charges in November 2020.

In Senate - Patriotic Bill and Sanctions

Speaking on the Patriotic Bill, which went through the Senate in June 2023, Senator Khaliphani Phugeni said the bill will thwart Mnangagwa’s efforts of re-engaging with the international community.

I am saying this Bill is having a complete opposite of what we want to achieve. We are trying to be part of the Commonwealth, we are trying to be part of the International Community of Nations but this is not the way to go about it. In case there is any doubt, I am against sanctions.

I think they do not work because the people who are sanctioned seem to live their lives largely. If you go out here and look, there is only one party which has got cars leading up to this election. The Opposition does not have cars and largely because there are sanctions in this country. The people who are sanctioned are able to go on with their lives, accessing medical health outside the country and can be involved in economic activities. The ones who are supposedly calling for the sanctions are the ones who are sanctioned. No doubt, I do not support it. I have travelled around embassies telling them that these sanctions take.

Of course, I have already said that the ruling elite are not affected by the sanctions, but if this action brings more sanctions to us, brings isolation, the very people who are unfairly carrying the blunt of sanctions now, are going to be worse off

^[2]

Sengezo Tshabangu Spokesperson

In a 12 October 2023 report on the ‘Secretary General’ Sengezo Tshabangu’s recalls of CCC elected officials, Khaliphani Phugeni is listed as his spokesperson. ^[3]

Events

Rape Case

In November 2020 Phugeni appeared before a magistrate accused of raping a minor who could not be named for ethical reasons, during the period extending from June to November 2018, at Emhlangeni and in Magwegwe West, Bulawayo. Phugeni was arrested after the minor's mother made a report to the police. ^[4]

When he appeared before Western Commonage regional magistrate Sibongile Marondedze, Phugeni denied the charge of contravening section 65 of the Criminal Law, Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23). Whilst being cross-examined in court, the minor's mother denied claims that she wanted to “politically soil” his image after he was nominated for Senate.

In November 2023, Thokozani Khupe’s MDC-T national spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni dismissed as false and politically influenced, rape allegations against him that took him to court. Magistrate Marondedze was told that during the period extending from June to November 2018, at Emhlangeni and in Magwegwe West, Bulawayo, Phugeni unlawfully had sexual intercourse with a woman who could not be named for ethical reasons without her consent. ^[5]

On 7 December 2020, Phugeni was acquitted of rape.

May join CCC, February 2023

Recently suspended from the MDC-T Bulawayo Senator Khaliphani Phugeni has said he could join the CCC after the 31 March 2022 by-elections if he is asked. Phugeni said he is aware that the CCC is still setting up their structures and he would make a decision as soon as the new party has been set up. MDC-T spokesman, Witness Dube, said Phugeni is suspended from the MDC-T. It was reported in December 2021 that former Vice President, Thokozani Khupe and Phugeni, were facing suspension over secret meetings with Nelson Chamisa. ^[6]

References