No VP Change: Government Rejects Mutinhiri Appointment Rumours

The Zimbabwean government has firmly denied a widely circulated social media post alleging that Ambassador and retired Brigadier General Ambrose Mutinhiri has been named the country’s new Vice President.

The viral message falsely claimed that Mutinhiri had taken over from Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who was said to have stepped down due to health issues. However, government officials have categorically rejected the claim as baseless and misleading.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana addressed the issue via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, dismissing the announcement as fake and pointing out a major error: the incorrect citation of the Constitution.

He noted that the statement referenced Section 205(1), which pertains to Permanent Secretaries — not the appointment of Vice Presidents.

“SPOT THE FAKE. Learn to check out things. Inga makafunda wani. The information is a fingertip away. Section 205 (1) of the Constitution is about Permanent Secretaries. ,” Mangwana posted.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba also weighed in, strongly criticizing the motivations behind the fabrication. In a fiery message, Charamba warned that intentionally creating and spreading false information online can have serious consequences.

“WHEN A FULL GROWN UP HUMAN BEING SPENDS TIME COMPOSING SUCH COUNTERFEIT MESSAGE, THEY HOPE TO ACHIEVE WHAT???? THIS FRAUDULENT MISUSE OF SOCIAL MEDIA TO PEDDLE LIES ATTRACTS CONSEQUENCES. TAMEDZERERA ZVAKWANA!!!!!”

The counterfeit press release was styled to look official, using formal language and detailing Mutinhiri’s political and diplomatic background. It alleged that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had appointed Mutinhiri in recognition of his loyalty to the ruling ZANU-PF party.

The statement went on to claim that Mutinhiri had previously served as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Yugoslavia, Minister of Youth Development, and long-serving MP, and had most recently been appointed Ambassador to Russia.

Government authorities, however, have dismissed the document as entirely fictitious and advised the public to remain vigilant against such misinformation.