By A Correspondent| The copy of a “ZBC” tweet saying Deputy Defence Minister Victor Matemadanda has threatened the US government, circulated on Thursday. Is it authentic?

A quick look at the tweet reveals  it originated from an account: “zbcnewsonline_”

The tweet stated:

“Breaking News Deputy Minister of Defence Cde Victor Matemadanda has warned the US that if they do not retreat from Iran , Zimbabwe may be forced to intervene.”

A thorough cross check reveals the authentic ZBC news portal is: ” “zbcnewsonline.” The difference between the two accounts is the underscore character: “_”

Contacted for a comment, Minister Matemadanda told ZimEye: “this is fake news, i am not even the minister of information so I would not have issued any statement furthermore I have not had any news conference, with anyone from ZBC or anywhere.”