Claim: A press statement purported to be released by the national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi claimed that the Zimbabwe Republic Police seeks to interview Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa in connection to the attempted murder of Retired General Constantino Chiwenga.
“It is alleged that sometime in 2018, 85-year-old Mnangagwa connived with Mary Mubaiwa, the then General Chiwenga’s wife, to poison her husband with an unknown substance,” read the claim dated 14 September.
The claim also said the police are offering US$ 1,000 to anyone with information on Mnangagwa’s whereabouts.
Verdict: INCORRECT
National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi dismissed the purported press statement as fake and false.
“The police dismisses this fake or false statement with contempt it deserves. For the record, the ZRP is not conducting any investigations concerning his Excellency President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. The law will take it’s course in criminal elements and political activists who want to malign the office of his Excellency, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ZRP,” said Assist. Commissioner Nyathi.
He said inquiries have revealed that the fake statement was photoshopped, edited and endorsed with fake details .
“The ZRP is now conducting investigations with view of arresting this criminal syndicate which issued the false and fake press statement in the name of the ZRP,” said Assist. Commissioner Nyathi.
