Robert Mugabe henchman in court charged with working illegally

A former henchman of Robert Mugabe appeared in court today charged with working illegally in Britain.

Phillip Machemedze, 44, denied two counts of obtaining pecuniary advantage by deception at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that he worked illegally as a nurse at The Priory mental health clinic in Bristol and charity The Milestone Trust.

He was bailed to attend a committal hearing in September and will stand trial at Bristol Crown Court at a later date.

Machemedze worked as an ‘enforcer’ for the Mugabe regime before moving to Britain on a visitor visa in 2000.

Eight years later, in December 2008, he claimed asylum along with his wife Febbie.

An immigration tribunal ruled his acts of violence in Zimbabwe were so severe that his application was rejected.

The hearing was told that he broke one victim’s jaw with a pair of pliers, before pulling out a tooth, and shocked another with electric cables.

However, he was allowed to remain in Britain indefinitely to protect his human rights as he would be liable to torture or execution himself if he was deported.

His wife was granted asylum and the couple now live in St George, Bristol.

He spent eight years on the night shift at the Priory, a Bristol clinic which is a haven for the rich and famous.

Machemedze – who appeared in court wearing a striped purple top and matching purple leather shoes – spoke only to confirm his name, address and plea during the hearing.

He was granted conditional bail, which prevents him from applying for a passport or international travel documents, to appear before the same court on September 13.