Minister Sekeramayi warns Zimbabweans

Minister of Defence Dr Sydney Sekeramayi has warned Zimbabweans not to be gullible in believing things that they read on social media. This comes after a fake notice purportedly from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) circulated on Whatsapp saying that the ZNA had banned demonstrations due to rising tensions in the ruling Zanu-PF party. Responding to a question from Senator Lillian Timveos, Sekeramayi said:

Madam President and all Hon. Senators, the Zimbabwe National Army and in fact the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have got official spokespersons and when a statement has been issued by an official spokesperson, I am then able to reply to that but I cannot be expected to reply to statements made by those who are not official spokespersons of the Defence Forces.” replied Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi.

I also want to say, let us be very careful about what is written on Facebook and other social media. There are people and organisations who would be quite happy, who would want to celebrate if there is turmoil in this country. They spread this and that rumour to get the population agitated; to get the people in a state of uncertainty about their own security and the security of the country. So, we must be very, very careful about taking at face value some of the statements that are being circulated. As I have said, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have official spokespersons and when a statement has come from the spokesperson, then you know that it is an authentic statement. Thank you.

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