Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has unequivocally refuted a statement purportedly issued by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which directed law enforcement agents to immediately release Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa and his co-accused.
The fake statement, titled “Presidential Directive: Release of Ishmael Chokurongerwa and Co-accused”, reads:
"Esteemed citizens, under the authority vested in the Presidency by Section 56 (1) of our esteemed constitution, it is directed that Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa and his co-accused be released forthwith.
"The Presidency holds the firm belief that the allegations against these individuals, charged with purported violations of the Burial and Cremation Act and the Children’s Act, stemming from the discovery of 251 school-age children engaged in manual labour at their agricultural enterprise, alongside the presence of 16 unregistered graves, lack substantial merit.
"It is worth noting that Madzibaba Ishmael has played a significant role within the Mapostori community during the recent electoral campaign.
"In this regard, the President wishes to emphasize to the public the importance of refraining from attaching undue criticism to other religious affiliations and warns against the dissemination of false information."
