HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has moved swiftly to dismiss circulating claims that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s adviser, Paul Tungwarara, is under criminal investigation. The force labelled a viral document making the allegations as fake and issued a stern warning against the misuse of artificial intelligence to generate false statements.
In a press release issued on 13 December 2025, the ZRP directly addressed the social media reports, which falsely claimed that the Commercial Crimes Division was seeking to question Tungwarara over his business interests, namely Paulos Construction and Prevail Group International.
Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, condemned the circulation of the document, describing it as wholly fabricated. “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,” he said, making the force’s position unequivocally clear.
The statement specifically affirmed that there are no ongoing investigations targeting Tungwarara. “For the record, the Criminal Investigation Department’s Commercial Crimes Division is not conducting any investigations on Dr. Tempter Paul Tungwarara,” the statement read.
ZRP denies reports that Presidential Adviser Paul Tungwarara is under CID investigation
Beyond simply denying the allegations, the police highlighted the modern methods behind the forgery, signalling growing concerns about the misuse of technology in spreading misinformation. They warned the public against exploiting artificial intelligence tools to create and circulate false narratives that could generate confusion, alarm, or social unrest.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns individuals and syndicates against using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to cause confusion, alarm and despondency in the country,” the statement said. It also added that once those responsible are identified, legal action will be taken “without fear or favour.”
The police response comes amid other developments surrounding Tungwarara’s political career. Just two days before, on 11 December 2025, Tungwarara’s rapid rise within the ruling Zanu PF party encountered a procedural setback. The party’s National Political Commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha, nullified his recent co-option into Zanu PF’s influential 300-member central committee.
Tungwarara’s co-option had been approved by the Manicaland Provincial Coordinating Committee on 7 December. However, Machacha’s letter pointed out that the process violated party regulations, as the vacant seat was allocated to a member from Chipinge district and therefore must be filled by another nominee from the same district. The commissar emphasised adherence to internal party rules to maintain fairness and transparency in appointments.
Machacha’s correspondence also carried a pointed warning regarding election conduct within the party. He reiterated that any “issuance of money, goods or services” by aspiring candidates would constitute vote-buying, which automatically results in disqualification.
This directive followed reports alleging that Tungwarara had distributed cash and purchased food for delegates ahead of the provincial vote, actions that some interpreted as attempts to influence the selection process. In response, Manicaland province has been instructed to restart the selection process in strict compliance with party rules.
The ZRP’s statement on the fake criminal investigation and the party’s procedural ruling together illustrate the multiple challenges facing Tungwarara, whose high-profile political activities have attracted significant public and media attention. While the police have firmly cleared him of any criminal allegations, the procedural dispute within Zanu PF highlights the complexities of party politics and the importance of adhering to internal regulations.
Observers say that the episode underscores both the risks of misinformation in the digital age and the necessity for political actors to navigate established rules carefully. Social media amplification of false claims, particularly involving high-ranking advisers or prominent figures, can quickly create public confusion and reputational damage, prompting swift intervention from law enforcement.
For now, Tungwarara remains a cleared and active political actor, with the police reiterating their commitment to protecting individuals from false allegations while simultaneously warning against the misuse of emerging technologies to spread disinformation. The procedural re-run in Manicaland also serves as a reminder to aspirants within Zanu PF of the strict rules governing co-option, voting, and conduct during party selections.
As the ZRP continues to monitor online misinformation and enforce legal accountability, the Tungwarara case may set a precedent for how false digital narratives targeting public figures are addressed in Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Zanu PF officials are expected to oversee a fair and transparent restart of the central committee selection process in Manicaland, ensuring compliance with party regulations and mitigating any further controversy.
Source- ZBC
