National Prosecuting Authority disowns fake press release

Nokusa Masuku

06-04-24

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has dismissed a circulating press release dated 4 April 2024 as fake, citing that it did not issue the press statement.

The fake statement reads: “Due to overwhelming pressure from the citizens of Zimbabwe today, concerning images depicting his Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the outgoing Reserve Bank Governor John Mangudya and the incoming RBZ Governor John Mashayavanhu standing in a neatly empty gold reserve vault, the NPA has no choice but to urgently request the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Reserve Bank Financial Intelligence Unit to conduct a thorough investigation into why only 1.1 tonnes of gold is present in the vault despite recorded deliveries of 13 tonnes to the RBZ in 2023 by one gold supplier, Better Brands owned by Scott Sakupwanya.”

The fake statement further says: “it is worth noting that the 13tonnes mentioned is not the total gold deliveries to the RBZ as other reputable companies also supplied gold in different quantities during the same period.”

It adds: “the NPA stands to prosecute individuals or entities involved in the disappearance of the nation’s wealth particularly at a time when the country has sought financial assistance from the international community to combat hunger and prevent further suffering of Zimbabweans due to the current drought in the country.”