Police deny claims of investigation into Mnangagwa adviser

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed circulating claims that President Emmerson Mnangagwa's adviser, Paul Tungwarara, is under criminal investigation, branding a viral document as fake and warning against the misuse of artificial intelligence to generate false statements.

In a statement released on 13 December 2025, Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, said the alleged document claiming that the Commercial Crimes Division sought to question Tungwarara over his companies, Paulos Construction and Prevail Group International, was false.

"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," Commissioner Nyathi said.

The police clarified unequivocally:

"For the record, the Criminal Investigation Department's Commercial Crimes Division is not conducting any investigations on Dr. Tempter Paul Tungwarara."

The statement also warned that the use of artificial intelligence to create misinformation would not be tolerated. "The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns individuals and syndicates against using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to cause confusion, alarm and despondency in the country," it read. The police pledged to pursue legal action against perpetrators "without fear or favour once the suspects are identified."

The police denial comes shortly after Tungwarara faced a procedural obstacle in his political ascent within Zanu-PF. On 11 December 2025, the party's National Political Commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha, nullified his co-option into the 300-member Central Committee. The Manicaland Provincial Coordinating Committee had approved his appointment on 7 December.

Machacha cited a breach of party rules, noting that the vacant seat belonged to a member from Chipinge district and must be filled by another nominee from the same district. His letter also warned that any "issuance of money, goods or services" by aspirants would be considered vote-buying and result in disqualification.

Reports alleged that Tungwarara distributed cash and purchased food for delegates ahead of the provincial vote. The Manicaland province has been instructed to restart the selection process in compliance with party regulations.