Government warns falsehoods peddlers

GOVERNMENT has warned members of the public against displaying tendencies that infringe on other people’s rights, causing unnecessary distress and anguish among citizens.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage said it had noted with deep concern how recent death reports targeting high-profile figures had been flooding social media.

Some of the peddled falsehoods include suggestions that ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Victor Matemadanda, Party’s Secretary for Finance, Patrick Chinamasa and Deputy President of the Senate, Lieutenant General Rtd Mike Nyambuya had succumbed to Covid-19.

Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi were also reported to be unwell by the same social media reports.

“Government has noted with deep concern, recent developments where mainstream media, social media and individuals are spreading falsehoods on how Covid-19 has affected the nation’s leadership. It is unacceptable and unethical to publish falsehoods in a democratic society,” reads the statement.

“Let us be reminded that such acts, have the effect of causing alarm and despondency, not only to the individuals affected and their families, but to the nation as a whole.

“This has a destabilising effect at a time the nation is grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic,” reads the statement.

Government also notes that the pandemic has not spared anyone and it has become a reality which demands focus from abiding citizens.

“This is indeed a reality which gives no justification for anyone to spread blatant falsehoods that have the effect of destabilising the nation.

“Our focus as law abiding citizens should be on strict observance of the World Health Organisation regulations on Covid-19 and adherence to the national lockdown restrictions,” added the statement.