Scores of Zanu PF supporters fell for a social media hoax
after they thronged the Bulawayo central business district, where they expected
to receive free mealie-meal.
A fake letter on a Zanu PF letterhead circulated on social
media urging ruling party supporters to converge at the Large City Hall last
Tuesday to receive the freebies.
Police had to disperse the scores of people, who had turned
up following fake messages, purportedly issued by Zanu PF secretary for
information Simon Khaya Moyo.
According to the fake letter, which had a Zanu PF logo and
Moyo’s purported signature, the supposed food distribution was to take place on
May 19.
“Following the prolonged lockdown, the government has put
in place measures to mitigate the effects of extended stay at home orders
including the provision of food to vulnerable families,” the letter read in
part.
“We are, therefore, directing all party leadership to
ensure that our members know about the food distribution programmes that will
commence on Tuesday 19 May across the country.
“Members are requested to bring their party cards.”
Zanu PF Bulawayo acting secretary for information
Christopher Sibanda distanced the ruling party from the messages when contacted
for comment yesterday.
“It was a hoax message, as the province did not have such a
food distribution programme,” Sibanda, who is also the Zimbabwe National
Liberation War Veterans Association Bulawayo publicity secretary, said.
A Zanu PF supporter, who identified herself as Mai Nyasha,
said she learnt of the “food programme” through the party’s Luveve WhatsApp
group.
“I got to know about this programme through our ward party
WhatsApp group,” she said.
“We had actually organised ourselves as party members to
come and receive our share because we were told that the food was coming from
our president.”
Police officers had to address the restive food seekers
before dispersing them. Social
distancing and sanitation processes were not being adhered to when the people
were queuing.
According to the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, a number of
Bulawayo families are going for days without food since the lockdown started. Standard
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