The Office of the President has distanced itself from a statement reportedly issued by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga warning Zimbabweans against taking part in a demonstration scheduled for Friday, 17 October 2025.
George Charamba, spokesperson for the Presidency, said the message had been circulated using official government stationery without the knowledge, involvement, or approval of the Department of Presidential Communications, which owns the stationery.
Charamba warned that while the message may have been “well-intentioned,” its unauthorised use of government letterhead amounts to fraudulent conduct.
He said genuine statements from the Presidency are always traceable, bear official security features, and are signed by authorised personnel. Added Charamba:
“The seeming misuse of government stationery is a thin end of the wedge. Left unchallenged, the next act could amount to outright criminality.”
Charamba stressed that all official communications can be verified through the Department of Presidential Communications, and bear security features of the department, and genuine signatures of the author(s) concerned.
Below is the statement attributed to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga:
“STATEMENT BY THE VICE-PRESIDENT ON THE ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATION CALLED FOR 17 OCTOBER 2025
“It has come to my attention that certain individuals and groups are circulating messages calling for a mass demonstration on 17 October 2025. I wish to make it absolutely clear to the nation that these calls are unlawful, irresponsible, and unacceptable.
“The Government of Zimbabwe will not tolerate any attempts to destabilise the peace and security that our people have worked so hard to maintain.
“Zimbabwe is a nation built on law and order, and no one is above the law. Those who seek to sow division, incite violence, or provoke public disorder are enemies of progress and will face the full consequences of their actions.
“Let me state categorically: the planned demonstration is unauthorised and illegal. I distance myself completely from those behind it and from anyone associated with such reckless behaviour.
“I neither support nor condone any act that threatens national peace, security, or unity. Any person found organising, promoting, or participating in these illegal activities will be arrested and prosecuted without hesitation.
“The long arm of the law will catch up with all those bent on fermenting chaos and justice will be swift.
“I call upon all peace-loving Zimbabweans to ignore these unlawful calls and continue with their normal, lawful activities.
“Our citizens must refuse to be misled by elements whose sole agenda is to cause instability and tarnish the image of our country.
“Law enforcement agencies are on full alert and will act decisively to maintain peace, protect lives and property, and uphold the authority of the State and the authority of His Excellency Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa.
“Let us remain steadfast, vigilant, and committed to safeguarding the hard-won peace and stability of our nation.”
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