Fake Khupe death blunder forces Chamisa-linked platform into embarrassing climbdown

A media platform linked to opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has been left red-faced after it was forced to issue a public apology for falsely announcing the death of former Deputy Prime Minister and MDC Vice President Thokozani Khupe in yet another glaring example of reckless online journalism.

The platform, Change Radio, hastily published claims that Senator Dr Khupe had died, triggering confusion and outrage among supporters, political figures and members of the public before later admitting that the story was completely false.

In an embarrassing reversal, the outlet issued a correction acknowledging that Dr Khupe is alive and that the deceased individual was in fact Thokozani Hove, a former MDC member who reportedly succumbed to cancer.

"Change Radio sincerely apologises for an earlier post which incorrectly reported that former Deputy Prime Minister and MDC Vice President Senator Dr Thokozani Khupe had passed away," the platform said in its statement.

The outlet further admitted that it only verified the information after the falsehood had already spread online, exposing what critics described as a disturbing culture of publishing first and verifying later.

"Following verification with CCC officials, we confirm that the information was false and that Dr Khupe is alive," the statement read.

The platform apologised to Dr Khupe, her family, colleagues, supporters and readers for the "distress and confusion" caused by the blunder.

The incident has sparked renewed criticism over the growing problem of misinformation and sensationalism on politically aligned online platforms, many of which are accused of abandoning basic journalistic standards in pursuit of attention and social media engagement.

Observers said falsely declaring a prominent national figure dead is not only irresponsible but deeply insensitive, particularly to family members and supporters who are forced to confront shocking claims before facts are properly established.

The debacle also raises uncomfortable questions about editorial oversight within opposition-linked media structures, with critics arguing that some outlets have become so consumed by political activism that accuracy and professionalism are increasingly treated as optional extras rather than fundamental obligations.