Minister Supa Mandiwanzira apologises to Pastor Evan Mawarire for falsely claiming that he had skipped bail
ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanzira has apologised to This Flag Movement founder Pastor Evan Mawarire for falsely alleging that he was arrested because he had skipped bail. Mandiwanzira made the claims when he had a meeting with British Ambassador Catriona Lang. However, Mandiwanzira was immediately called out for his misrepresentation. After Pastor Evan was granted bail by High Court judge, Justice Clement Phiri, he sent a tweet to the minister demanding an apology.
The minister seems to have decided to take the high road and he sent an apology to Pastor Evan. He admitted hat he was advised incorrectly although he said the words in good faith. He said that he looked into the case on his own and realized his mistake, hence his decision to own up to the mistake.
Here is the apology
In my meeting with @CatrionaLaingl last week, after she had brought up the arrest of Pastor Evan Mawarire in our discussion, I gave the impression that the Pastor had skipped bail thus his arrest. At the time of my meeting with the Ambassador, this had been presented to me as fact and also thought it to be true. Today, having had sight of the court record, I recognize that I was wrong. The true facts are that the pastor did not skip bail and was not arrested for this reason. I wish to apologise to Pastor Mawarire and to anyone else who was offended by this mistake. I am also taking this opportunity to correct the misstatement to @CatrionaLaingl @UKinZimbabwe.
https://twitter.com/SupaCollinsM/status/831539816810606592
