Zimbabwean President’s Office Threatens Legal Action Against Media Over “Defamatory” Reports
By Farai D Hove| ZimEye | Harare, Zimbabwe – The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has issued a stern warning to NewsDay and other media outlets over what it describes as “defamatory and slanderous” reporting regarding Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged plans to extend his presidency to a 4th term.
Mnangagwa is currently in his 3rd term of office.
The statement follows an article suggesting the president is engaging in activities outside constitutional and political norms, including the creation of “parallel structures” to undermine Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
He has been in office for over 3 terms since his takeover from his predecessor Robert Mugabe in 2017.
The press statement, dated November 27, 2024, dismisses the claims as “false and malicious,” accusing NewsDay of intentionally fabricating allegations to create disunity within the ruling ZANU-PF party. The OPC asserts that President Mnangagwa remains committed to serving his constitutional term limits, as previously declared in public statements, and denies any plans to extend his tenure “via the back door.”
In its response, the OPC demands a retraction of the article within seven days. Failure to comply, the statement warns, will result in legal action against the publication. This is the second time within a short period that NewsDay has been accused of publishing falsehoods about the president, according to the OPC.
The statement also emphasizes that while Zimbabwe’s Constitution upholds media freedoms, it does not protect the dissemination of falsehoods, warning that editors and journalists found guilty of such offenses could face legal consequences.
The allegations have ignited further controversy in the country, with critics accusing the government of attempting to stifle press freedom. However, the OPC maintains that the article’s claims are baseless and intended to destabilize national cohesion and security.
The situation continues to develop as NewsDay and other media organizations consider their responses. All eyes remain on the administration and its handling of these accusations amid broader discussions about freedom of expression in Zimbabwe.