Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, has issued a stern warning to The Mirror, a local newspaper based in Masvingo, suggesting that the publication will soon face consequences for its reporting.
Mangwana’s comments came after The Mirror published an article alleging that ZANU PF facilitated the participation of Zimbabweans in Mozambique’s disputed October 9 elections.
Mangwana accused the newspaper of “wantonly breaking the law with brazen frequency,” criticizing it for what he described as irresponsible reporting.
Writing in the state-controlled <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zimbabwe-doesnt-meddle-in-neighbours-electoral-processes/">The Herald</a>, Mangwana vehemently denied the allegations, insisting that ZANU PF does not interfere in political events in neighbouring countries.
He said that while the party occasionally sends senior officials to the region for meetings and discussions, this should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of election interference or rigging.
The controversy intensified after several people from Masvingo were caught on camera admitting to having voted in Mozambique’s elections, sparking suspicions that Zimbabwean authorities may have played a role in facilitating vote rigging. Said Mangwana:
<blockquote>
The strange thing is that initially these accusations were not coming from any participants in the Mozambican elections, but some media outfit in Masvingo which has been wantonly breaking the law with brazen frequency.
For this outfit, the writing is on the wall. Some Mozambican political parties only latched onto this accusation much later to try to explain away their performance during the elections.
But they know the truth that Zimbabwe did not send its nationals to vote in their elections, neither did it participate in any perceived rigging exercise, real or imagined.
The tragic part of all this is that there are Zimbabweans who are willing participants in the peddling of this disinformation.
</blockquote>
Mangwana argued that these “falsehoods” not only misrepresented the situation but also put Zimbabweans living in neighboring countries at risk.
He claimed that the spreading of such claims had prompted Zimbabwe’s ambassadors in Botswana and Mozambique to issue public warnings, advising Zimbabweans living there to exercise caution.
The controversy comes amid a tense political backdrop, as Botswana held its general elections on October 30.
The elections resulted in a victory for the opposition, despite efforts by senior ZANU PF figures, including Patrick Chinamasa, who had campaigned for the ruling party.
The involvement of high-ranking ZANU PF officials in the Botswana election campaign further fueled suspicions of political interference. Said Mangwana:
<blockquote>
Zimbabweans who spread false claims about their country’s so-called interference in neighbouring nations’ internal affairs are putting their own loved ones at risk of xenophobia.
This is why Zimbabwe’s ambassadors to Mozambique and Botswana have issued cautionary advice to Zimbabwean nationals, urging them to be mindful of their movements lest they fall victim.
</blockquote>
Mangwana asserted that, as a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Zimbabwe has consistently demonstrated its commitment to upholding democratic principles and supporting free and fair elections across the region. He said:
<blockquote>
The country’s non-interference stance is evident in its professional participation in SADC’s electoral observer missions.
As the region continues to navigate electoral challenges, Zimbabwe’s commitment serves as a positive example for fellow member states.
The Zimbabwean Government will work with any leader democratically elected in their country according to the rules of that country. We don’t rig elections in our country or any other country for that matter.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Nick Mangwana is upset with a newspaper for saying ZANU PF helped in Mozambique's elections. He denies the accusations and says Zimbabwe doesn't interfere in other countries' political events. Some people from Masvingo were caught voting in Mozambique, causing suspicion. Mangwana warns that spreading false claims puts Zimbabweans at risk of xenophobia. He says Zimbabwe follows democratic principles and doesn't rig elections. The controversy comes amid Botswana's elections, where the opposition won despite ZANU PF's efforts. Zimbabwe's ambassadors in Mozambique and Botswana warn Zimbabweans to be cautious.

Mangwana Threatens "The Mirror" Over Report Of ZANU PF Involvement In Mozambique Elections

Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube, has banned journalists from The Mirror and NewsDay, which are privately owned, from all government functions in the province.
As reported by <a href="https://x.com/TheMirrorMsv/status/1762539889663353251?s=20">The Mirror</a>, Ncube kicked out the publication’s Midlands Bureau Chief, Sydney Mubaiwa, and NewsDay reporter Stephen Chadenga from a meeting organised by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and ordered them not to attend future government engagements.
The meeting took place at the Minister’s boardroom in Gweru on Wednesday, 28 February, in the morning.
Ncube asked journalists to identify themselves and then singled out the two for representing newspapers that allegedly attacked the Government.
He ordered them to stand up and asked his security aides to escort them out of the meeting. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
Who invited you here? We are building the country and discussing Government business and you are not welcome here. You are not wanted at any other Government function.
</blockquote>
The two journalists had been invited by Zimbabwe Gender Commission chairperson Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe ahead of the official opening of the organisation’s Gweru offices.
Zimbabwe Gender Commission officials apologised to the two journalists.
Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) president George Maponga condemned the discrimination of journalists, saying journalism was not a crime. He said:
<blockquote>
ZUJ is disturbed by reports of private media journalists being chased away from Government programmes.
We want to make it clear that journalism is not a crime and all accredited journalists have a right to cover all events that are in the public interest.
ZUJ will not accept any attempts to divide the media along private/public media lines.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Owen Ncube Bars Private Media From Government Functions

Journalists in Masvingo Province have condemned the arrest of Mirror editor, Garikai Mafirakureva, describing the arrest as persecution.
Several journalists from media houses across Masvingo on Friday packed the courtyard at the Masvingo magistrates’ court to show solidarity with Mafirakureva.
Mafirakureva was supposed to appear in court facing a number of charges including writing falsehoods and undermining the authority of the Police.
However, the Police did not show up for the court session and later dropped the charges after being advised that their case stood no chance at law.
The journalists who numbered more than 20 were at Masvingo Magistrates Court from 8 AM until 12 PM when they were told that the charges had been dropped.
EnviroPress editor Moses Ziyambi urged the Police to be conversant with media laws and how journalists operate.
He said Mafirakureva’s arrest was unnecessary and is more worrying in view of the looming general elections. Said Ziyambi:
<blockquote>
Police know very well that falsehoods in a democracy are not criminal, but they are a civil matter.
This case is clear victimization intended to cow journalists before the Police.
</blockquote>
Former Mirror editor Nkulumani Mlambo said Mafirakureva’s arrest was calculated to muzzle the Press.
He said the Police must leave journalists to perform their duties without outside control or interference. | <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/journalists-pack-courtyard-in-solidarity-with-arrested-editor/">The Mirror</a>

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