ZRP Brands Viral Document on Adviser as Fake, Warns Against AI-Driven Misinformation

Zimbabwe Republic Police has dismissed a viral document alleging a probe into presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara as fake, warning against AI-driven misinformation and urging the public to verify official statements (image source)

Harare — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed as false a viral document claiming that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s adviser, Paul Tungwarara, was the subject of a Commercial Crimes Division probe, warning the public about the growing misuse of artificial intelligence to fabricate official statements.

In a statement released on 13 December 2025, Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, said the police had not issued any notice regarding an investigation into Tungwarara or his companies, Paulos Construction and Prevail Group International. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses a fake and false statement circulating on social media… The Police has not issued this statement and dismisses it with the contempt it deserves,” Commissioner Nyathi said.

The ZRP clarified that the Criminal Investigation Department’s Commercial Crimes Division is not conducting any investigations into Dr Tempter Paul Tungwarara, urging citizens to treat the circulating document as misinformation. Police also warned that those responsible for creating or sharing false material would face legal consequences, stating that perpetrators would be investigated and prosecuted “without fear or favour once the suspects are identified.”

The denial comes against the backdrop of a separate political development involving Tungwarara. On 11 December 2025, Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha nullified Tungwarara’s co-option into the party’s 300-member Central Committee. Although the Manicaland Provincial Coordinating Committee had approved the appointment on 7 December, Machacha ruled that it violated party rules because the vacant seat belonged to Chipinge district and should have been filled by a nominee from that area.

In his correspondence, Machacha also warned that any “issuance of money, goods or services” by aspirants would be treated as vote-buying and could result in disqualification. Local reports alleged that Tungwarara distributed cash and purchased food for delegates ahead of the provincial selection, prompting party leadership to instruct Manicaland structures to restart the process in line with internal regulations.

Political analysts said the episode highlights both the sensitivity of internal party procedures and the reputational damage that can arise from a mix of real and fabricated allegations. The ZRP’s explicit reference to artificial intelligence underscores growing concern among authorities about how easily realistic but false documents can now be generated and spread online.

Civil-society organisations and media observers welcomed the police clarification but urged swift action to identify the source of the fake document and safeguard public discourse from manipulation. They also called on political parties to strengthen transparency and documentation in internal processes to limit the space for rumours and misinformation.

For now, Tungwarara’s political status remains subject to party procedures, while police investigations into the origin of the viral document are expected to continue. The ZRP urged the public to verify information through official channels and to report suspicious material to law-enforcement authorities.