Pokello reacts to Chombo's death hoax

Zimbabwean socialite and entrepreneur Pokello Nare has dismissed false reports circulating on social media claiming that her stepfather, former cabinet minister Ignatius Chombo, has died.

On Wednesday morning, social media platforms were flooded with rumours suggesting that Chombo had passed away at a local private hospital. The unverified claims quickly spread, prompting a response from Pokello.

Taking to her Instagram stories, Pokello assured the public that Chombo is alive and in good health.

"It still baffles me what goes through the minds of individuals who wake up and create the most outrageous stories," she wrote. "My father is strong and in very good health."

Chombo, a once-prominent figure in Zimbabwean politics, served in various ministerial roles under the late President Robert Mugabe, including as Minister of Local Government and later as Finance Minister. He has largely remained out of the public eye in recent years.

The origin of the false death claims remains unclear, but this is not the first time high-profile figures in Zimbabwe have been the subject of premature death rumours.

Pokello's statement has since helped quell the speculation, with many of her followers and members of the public expressing relief and calling for greater responsibility in online information sharing.