Robert Mugabe, the President of Zimbabwe who has branded gays and lesbians ‘worse than pigs and dogs’, may be visiting New Zealand for a private speaking engagement.

Mugabe is banned by the EU from traveling to Europe and if New Zealand allow him into the country for a private speaking engagement it would be very controversial.

A spokesperson for the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told Gay Star News that they are not aware of any planned visit by Mugabe to New Zealand, adding that the decision to allow him into the country comes from the Department of Immigration.

Gay Star News has seen a letter to the Stamford Plaza Auckland hotel asking to book a suite for ‘the leader of an African country’ with a ‘somewhat more complicated profile’.

The letter, from a security company, says that the leader is not visiting New Zealand on official government business but for a ‘speaking engagement and book launch’.

A Zimbabwean LGBT rights activist living in Auckland who alerted Gay Star News to the possible visit said:

‘This visit for personal gain should not be permitted to happen and Mr Mugabe and his entourage should be denied visas to entry.

‘This man has destroyed a country during his 30-year dictatorship while he and his cronies have stolen billions of dollars from the people of Zimbabwe. His Human Rights record is appalling and his anti-gay statements only inflame unrest and violence.’

The activist said he is proud that New Zealand hosted Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai last year to strengthen ties between the two countries, but he does not want to see Mugabe visiting the country in any capacity.

A group of anonymous protestors are bringing attention to the possible planned visit, lobbying Auckland MP Jacinda Arden, putting up ‘No Mugabe Visit’ posters and planning a demonstration. They say they got hold of the letter to the hotel from a hotel employee.

Gay Star News contacted the Stamford Plaza Auckland hotel for a comment but they declined to respond.