The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said it has not issued any official press statement giving updates on the alleged assailants of human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart.
On Monday, 11 May, the ZRP urged the public to disregard any circulating statements claiming to be from the ZRP, saying some people are deliberately spreading false and misleading information using fake ZRP press releases.
“The police are fully aware of these activities and investigations are currently underway to identify the people responsible for creating and distributing the fake statements,” the ZRP said.
“The public is urged to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information.
“The law will take its course against anyone found responsible for publishing or circulating false information, regardless of where those individuals are located.”
Although the ZRP has repeatedly disowned statements about Coltart’s assault, it has ignored calls for an official update on the case. The assault was filmed, and the alleged assailants are known ZANU PF officials.
The purported ZRP statement, which police have dismissed as false, was posted on X by social media personality Majaira Jairosi.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to inform the public that the search for Mr Luckmore Gapa and Mr Nicholas Hamadziripi is still ongoing,” reads the statement.
“However, we acknowledge that the process may take longer than expected due to their close links with senior political figures.
“We also regret to report that we have not yet been able to apprehend a group identifying itself as the ‘Presidential Mafia,’ which has been issuing death threats to innocent citizens. In addition, Majaira Jairosi has now been added to the wanted list.
“Meanwhile, we have successfully arrested Takunda Mhuka, Emmanuel Sitima, and Godfrey Karembera, who will face the full force of the law.
“We consider these individuals to pose a greater threat than Gapa, Hamadziripi, and the so-called Presidential Mafia group.”
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