The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has withdrawn and apologised for an article that accused businessman Simon Rudland of funding planned violent protests to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
In a statement published on its website on 19 March 2026, ZBC said the allegations in the article had been refuted and confirmed that it was retracting the story in full.
The broadcaster said it was withdrawing “all impressions, insinuations and claims” suggesting that Rudland was involved in the alleged plot. It also apologised for any harm or distress caused.
The apology came just a day after Rudland’s lawyers, from Harare-based firm Chimuka Mafunga, delivered an urgent letter to ZBC chief executive Sugar Chagonda.
The lawyers had demanded a full and unconditional withdrawal of the article within two days, warning that failure to do so would result in legal action.
The article in question, published on 10 March and titled “Kasukuwere, Mambondiyani plot violent protest using Biti’s forum, ZINASU and bloggers as fronts”, had accused Rudland, former cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere and activist Danmore Mambondiyani of planning violent protests to force a change of government.
It further alleged that Rudland was a key financier of the supposed plan.
Rudland’s lawyers argued that the article was defamatory and accused ZBC of publishing serious allegations without first seeking comment from him. They said the claims falsely portrayed him as supporting actions against the government.
More: ZimLive
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