HARARE – Sports and Youth Minister Kirsty Coventry denied internet rumours she had resigned on Friday, even as she told of her “immense sadness” over “what has happened in Zimbabwe.”

Coventry, a former Olympic champion swimmer, was a shock appointment in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Cabinet in September after the Zanu PF leader claimed a controversial election win.

She was one of a handful “technocrats” appointed for their expertise in their field.

Protests over shock fuel price increases last Monday, and a subsequent brutal crackdown by security forces, has drawn international condemnation.

Social media rumours had claimed the 36-year-old had resigned in protest at the police and army brutality, which rights groups say has so far led to at least 12 deaths.

“What has happened in Zimbabwe has saddened me immensely. I’m sorry to everyone that has been affected by the recent events. Violence is never the answer and needs to be investigated and actions taken. We need peace so no one else suffers and we can rebuild our nation together,” Coventry said on Twitter.

“I’d like to make it clear that I’ve not resigned as minister. Whatever the problems, sport can and should be part of the solution and I’ll pour my energies into uplifting our Youth, Sports and Arts, until I can no longer be effective and make the impact we need in our country.”