Army dismisses Mutoko robbery story
Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
The Zimbabwe National Army has refuted social media and WhatsApp reports circulating alleging that a robbery involving military personnel took place in Mutoko.
The ZNA through the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Alphington Makotore issued a media response on fake news items on alleged armed robbery in Mutoko saying; ” In response to a social media and WhatsApp fake messages that has been circulating since early this morning, the Zimbabwe National Army would like to set the record straight that no such robbery occurred in Mutoko yesterday on 16 February 2022.”
The messages circulating read, “NEWS NEWS: In Mutoko panga paita armed robbers targeting business pple. They have robbed Lameck Maponga, Mai Chamada, Mweleya etc. Last night they attacked Fay Mapongas house who quickly alerted others by fone. Pple reacted and 4 guys were arrested. VESE SERVING SOLDIERS. They had army guns. Vakati tikaenda kuoff tinopiwa pfuti dzekutsvagisa mari asi no shooting”
The statement from ZNA went on to say, “The Security Forces have carried out thorough investigations in and around Mutoko and no such incident took place. The alleged victims are also non-existent. The fake report also says four people were arrested but without mentioning their names. The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Mutoko has also refuted that they arrested anyone related to armed robbery case in the area.”
Col Makotore went on further to say, “The Army would like to point out that the message is malicious and must be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.”
He stated that, “The Security Forces are very much concerned about the spread of fake news posts especially when there are regional and international conferences taking place. It is now well established that such fake news posts are meant to cause alarm and despondency.”
Law enforcement is seeking speak to originators of the message.
This has raised more calls for the quick finalisation and synchronisation of the Data Protection Act and the Criminal Codification Act that will be used to prosecute perpetrators.
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