Fact-Checking Report: Debunking the Viral WhatsApp Rumor on Marry Mubaiwa’s Alleged Pardon
Recently, a viral WhatsApp message claimed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had pardoned Marry Mubaiwa, the ex-wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. This message, marked “forwarded many times,” quickly gained traction, reportedly being circulated over 20,000 times in a single day. However, after an investigation into the facts surrounding this claim, it has been determined that the message is entirely false.
The Background on Marry Mubaiwa’s Legal Issues
Marry Mubaiwa, former wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, has been embroiled in various legal battles. In 2022, she was convicted of marriage fraud, and she currently faces three other serious charges, including the attempted murder of her then-husband. Additionally, she has been publicly vocal about her health struggles, accusing the government of denying her medical assistance by withholding her passport, which has garnered significant public sympathy.
The Viral WhatsApp Message
The WhatsApp message circulating widely suggested that President Mnangagwa had personally pardoned Marry Mubaiwa, allowing her to escape legal consequences. The claim insinuated that Mnangagwa was primarily responsible for the accusations against her and had now reversed course by issuing a pardon. The message gained viral status quickly, exacerbating public curiosity and outrage.
However, a deeper investigation into these claims paints a very different picture.
Investigative Findings
- Lack of Official Announcement:
In Zimbabwe, any presidential pardon must be officially announced through the appropriate government channels, such as the Government Gazette, judicial reports, or public statements from the Judicial Services Commission. In this case, no such announcement has been made. Investigators confirmed that there has been no public record or press release regarding any pardon granted to Marry Mubaiwa. - Government and Legal Protocols:
Presidential pardons, especially high-profile ones, follow specific procedures and are typically made public through government portals and media outlets. No reports or confirmations have been issued from the Office of the President, the courts, or the Judicial Services Commission, confirming that the claim is without any formal backing. - Family Denial:
ZimEye, which has been diligently covering developments surrounding Marry Mubaiwa’s legal troubles, reached out to Mubaiwa’s family for verification. A representative from the family outright dismissed the WhatsApp report, labeling it “false.” This further discredits the claims that President Mnangagwa has issued any form of pardon. - Mnangagwa’s Alleged Involvement in 2018:
In an interview, Marry Mubaiwa claimed that in 2018, four government officials fabricated allegations against her, under Mnangagwa’s directive. She suggested that a suspicious visit to China was organized by the government to set her up. While this accusation adds a layer of complexity to her case, there is no substantial evidence that links Mnangagwa to any recent efforts to pardon her. - Video Call with First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa:
In a separate incident, ZimEye also confronted First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa about Marry Mubaiwa’s plight, particularly regarding the denial of her passport and medical treatment. During a 35-minute video call, Auxillia Mnangagwa was visibly distressed and repeatedly pleaded with ZimEye’s Simba Chikanza not to “curse” her. Her reaction, while emotional, provided no information or indication that Marry Mubaiwa had or will be pardoned anytime soon further solidifying the conclusion that the WhatsApp message was unfounded.
Conclusion: The WhatsApp Claim Is False
After investigating all available evidence, it is clear that the viral WhatsApp report claiming that Marry Mubaiwa has been pardoned by President Mnangagwa is completely false. There is no official confirmation from any governmental or judicial authority, and her family has outright dismissed the claim. Furthermore, her legal battles continue, and there has been no indication from the courts or the presidency that her situation has changed.
The rapid spread of this misinformation underscores the dangers of viral rumors on platforms like WhatsApp, where unchecked falsehoods can quickly gain traction. It is essential for the public to rely on verified sources of information and to be cautious about forwarding unverified messages.
In this case, the truth remains that Marry Mubaiwa has not been pardoned, and her legal journey continues. It is crucial to separate fact from fiction, especially when dealing with sensitive matters involving individuals’ reputations and ongoing legal proceedings.