Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is said to be a fashionista but a picture of him, featuring a briefcase worth $8,600 is causing controversy this time around.
The Louis Vuitton briefcase was captured in a photo of the president hugging two children at his office. The photo has since gone viral, with many asking why Mnangagwa should have such a costly item when a majority of his people are still struggling to make ends meet.
According to news site TimesLIVE, the briefcase is listed as “currently out of stock online‚ call for availability” on the French clothing’s website.
Mnangagwa came into power after Robert Mugabe was forced to resign in November last year.
Since he assumed office, there have been complaints from health workers and teachers about their poor remuneration and working conditions.
For many, spending the money spent on the briefcase could have been used to settle some of the concerns from the public sector workers.
Others, however, have no qualms about his choice of a briefcase, implying that it could have been a gift.
Here is how people are reacting to the news on Twitter:
Mnangagwa’s briefcase is worth $8 600.
While the majority are surviving on less than a $1 A day, this is a clear case of life of extravagance and greediness.
ZANU doesn’t care about the poor. pic.twitter.com/1GVCX6lWWZ
— Zandile (@maDube_) May 13, 2018
Zim Prez Mnangagwa’s LV briefcase alone costs $8,600 which is more than twice a nurse’s yearly salary. Zim has no cash, fired all nurses. Even billionaire SA president,Cyril never shows such extravagance.Takatadza here kusungunurwa netwuma Gandanga utwu? @Julius_S_Malema pic.twitter.com/7Jhl0vMo89
— Peter Moyo (@petermoyo6) May 15, 2018
Mnangagwa has a right to buy any Briefcase of his choice. Before being President, he had his businesses. He has been minister since 1980. How old were you then?
— Cde Never Maswerasei ?? (@CdeNMaswerasei) May 14, 2018
Mnangagwa’s Louis Vuitton briefcase is worth $8 600.
You can buy 4 Toyota RunX sedans, that’s employment for four people. pic.twitter.com/WqbBl1aPtN
— Zandile (@maDube_) May 14, 2018
It may not be his. It may belong to the photographer! Or he may have got it as a present! It maybe a replica! Who cares? Let him do his job! Robert lives in a multi million dollar mansion and yet we have street kids in Zimbabwe. Selective criticism will not get us anywhere!
— Akulu Ekambani (@akuluakulu) May 13, 2018