By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Government has warned its citizens against the spread of fake news saying it is unacceptable and unethical to publish falsehoods in a democratic society, an official said.
This comes after falsehoods claiming that the Honorable Vice President General Rtd, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Honorable Vice President Col Rtd Kembo Mohadi are unwell.
Other news that have been circulating is that that the Deputy President of Senate, Lieutenant General Rtd Mike Nyambuya, Cde Victor Matemadanda and Cde Patrick Chinamasa had succumbed to Covid -19.
The permanent secretary for Home Affairs and cultural heritage Nhepera in a press statement said the circulation of fake news has the potential of destabilizing the country.
“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 destabilizing effect at a time the nation is grappling with the Covid -19 pandemic,” said Nhepera.
Members of the public has been urge to desist from such tendencies that lead to infringement on other people’s rights and cause unnecessary distress and anguish among the people affected.
The statement added that the Covid 19 pandemic has bought a huge blow in the country.
“It is however a fact that the Covid -19 pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to our social circles, affecting as it has done close family members, acquaintances, colleagues and many others dear to us. This is indeed a reality but which gives no jurisdiction for anyone to spread blatant falsehoods that have the effect of destabilizing the nation”.
The country has been urged to take hid and join in the fight against the pandemic as well as not forgetting the World Health Organization regulations in order to stay safe and adhere to the national lockdown.
Fake news has been circulating very fast on all social media networks to the extent that people are even joking about those being reported sick and the dead.
