Former legislator Sabhuku Temba Mliswa has weighed in on an alleged extortion scandal involving Denzel and Melo, daughter of wealthy businesswoman Zodwa Mkandla, warning young men against turning romantic relationships into avenues for financial gain.

Mliswa attached photographs of the pair to his social media post, suggesting that intimate images had become part of a dispute involving the couple. He questioned the growing pursuit of easy money among young men and condemned the alleged exploitation of romantic partners.

“It’s quite sad how this young guy appears to have been eyeing the money from the girl’s mother to the point of extorting his partner,” Mliswa wrote.

He revealed that he had previously donated 10 head of cattle to the young woman, whom he described as his niece, and encouraged her to focus on farming because she had inherited a farm from her uncle.

“This young girl, muzukuru wangu, and at one time I donated 10 herd of cattle and advised that they should focus on farming, as she has a farm left to her by an uncle,” he said.

Mliswa also questioned why intimate images would be used against a partner, emphasising that private material should not become a tool for intimidation or humiliation.

“When people are in love vanoita zvakawanda. Ndorudo rwavo ka kuti kana wakundifunga woona, but why would someone else want to release private images to the public? What do you gain?” he asked.

He added: “It shows hauna kuita mushe. And again, it’s a criminal offence, mind you.”

While the post does not establish that the images were publicly released, Mliswa’s remarks raise concerns about their alleged use in extorting the young woman.

He urged young people to build their own financial independence rather than rely on inheritance or pursue money through relationships.

“I tell them, zviitirei mari dzenyu, mari yangu hayisi yenyu, endai munoita chikoro. An inheritance should not make one relax,” he said.