MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-The Police will come down hard on social media users who peddle fake news as they cause unnecessary alarm and despondence in society.
National Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the fake news paddlers are polluting the information ecosystem hence the law enforcement agency will have no mercy on such people.
Nyathi said there is need for concerted efforts from everyoneto curb misinformation and disinformation which is spreading like veld fire.
He was speaking during the police and media engagement organized by MISA Zimbabwe in Gweru.
“We want the media and relevant ICTs to assist us on to how tackle the spread of fake news because this is the elephant in the room.
“We have people who are falsifying information going as far as creating fake press statements pretending to be from the police and government departments and wanting to speak on behalf of the police because they have hidden agendas,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
Last week the social media was awash with a fake press statement purported to have come from the President’s office dismissing his deputy Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga.
The other fake statement alleged to have come from the CCC imposter Sengezo Tshabangu sacking Nelson Chamisa from the presidency of the party.
Ass Comm Nyathi added that the police service is seized with investigations of the culprits, and warned fake news peddlers that they will face the wrath of the law and will be dealt with accordingly.
