HARARE — Businessman and ZANU PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei has revealed that he was placed in a medically induced coma while undergoing surgery to remove his gallbladder after doctors discovered gallstones.
Speaking during a sermon at a Seventh-day Adventist church in central Harare on Saturday, Tagwirei sought to dismiss speculation that he had been seriously ill, saying the procedure was planned and successful.
“A few weeks ago I went for an operation. A lot of people thought I was very sick — no, I was not. I went for an operation to remove my gall bladder because I had gallstones,” Tagwirei said.
He said the operation lasted about four hours.
Tagwirei also reflected on what doctors told him about the gallbladder, questioning suggestions that it serves little purpose in the human body.
“They said that part is not important in your body. I don’t know why they say this — it would mean God added a part which was not necessary,” he said.
“They said the gall bladder was used by dinosaurs a long time ago. I just said I think they have not discovered why it is important; time will tell what its relevance is.”
The businessman did not disclose where the surgery was performed or when exactly the procedure took place.
What Is the Gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver. It stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps the body break down fats. Gallstones can develop when substances in bile harden into stone-like deposits, sometimes causing severe pain, infection or other complications that require surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Gallbladder removal, known medically as a cholecystectomy, is one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide. Most patients recover fully and continue to live normal lives without the organ.
Tagwirei Remains Under US and UK Sanctions
Tagwirei’s health update comes as he continues to face sanctions from both the United States and the United Kingdom.
The United States first sanctioned Tagwirei and his company, Sakunda Holdings, in 2020, accusing him of using his connections with senior government officials to secure state contracts and gain access to foreign currency.
Although Washington ended its Zimbabwe-specific sanctions programme in 2024, Tagwirei was redesignated under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act over alleged corruption-related activities. He has consistently denied wrongdoing.
The UK has also maintained sanctions against Tagwirei under its Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, citing allegations linked to financial dealings involving government Treasury Bills.
Despite the international sanctions, Tagwirei remains one of Zimbabwe’s most influential businessmen and has become increasingly visible in public and political life.
His latest remarks offered supporters a rare glimpse into a recent health scare that had fuelled speculation about his condition, while reassuring congregants that the operation was successful and that he is recovering well.
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