ZRP Denies Fake Social Media Claim That Joachim Chivayo Is Wanted in South Africa

Zimbabwe Republic Police official communication on X

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has moved to dismiss a viral social media post falsely claiming that businessman Joachim Chivayo is wanted by authorities in South Africa, warning that those behind the misinformation could face legal consequences.

The fabricated statement, which circulated widely on X (formerly Twitter), alleged that the ZRP had confirmed that Chivayo, described in the post as ZANU-PF Harare Province deputy secretary for information and publicity and popularly known as “G6,” was being sought by South African law enforcement agencies. The post further claimed that the police had expressed concern over the matter.

In a prompt rebuttal issued through its official X account, the ZRP categorically denied authorship of the statement, describing it as false and misleading.

“The ZRP advises the public that the police has not issued any statement concerning Joachim Chivayo or any member of the Chivayo family,” the police said.“The statement circulating on social media is therefore fake and false. It has nothing to do with the ZRP.”

The police went on to warn that the deliberate creation and distribution of false statements attributed to law enforcement institutions amounts to a criminal offence.

“The law will take its course on individuals or groups spreading false information and committing criminal acts by issuing false statements,” the ZRP said.

Rising Concern Over Digital Misinformation

The incident has renewed concerns over the rapid spread of misinformation on social media, particularly content that falsely implicates individuals in criminal investigations or misrepresents the positions of state institutions. In recent months, Zimbabwean authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to exercise caution when sharing unverified information online.

Law enforcement agencies say fake statements attributed to the police not only damage institutional credibility but can also cause unnecessary public panic and reputational harm to those targeted.

Call for Public Vigilance

The ZRP reiterated that all official police communications are issued exclusively through recognised platforms and verified channels. Members of the public were urged to cross-check information before sharing it and to report suspicious or misleading content.

As social media continues to play a central role in shaping public discourse, the police warned that accountability for digital misconduct will be enforced in line with existing laws governing the publication of false information.

ZRP statement fake; Joachim Chivayo news; Zimbabwe Republic Police warning