Tsvangirai disowns “Save chete chete” chat group

Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai today disowned a social media group called “Save chete chete” saying it is not his official representative.

It was not clear whether this includes the Facebook page which says it was “created to report on all MDC-T Events as we go towards 2018 Elections”.

“Save Chete Chete” means Tsvangirai Only with Save being his totem.

In a statement today, following complaints from legislator Priscillah Misihairabwi-Mushonga that she had received deaths threats after criticising Tsvangirai at the way his supporters assaulted his deputy Thokozani Khupe, Tsvangirai’s spokesman Luke Tamborinyoka said: “we unreservedly disown the abusive chat groups and the so-called ‘Save Chete Chete’ chat group as not being the official representatives of President Tsvangirai”.

“For that reason, we respect and support Hon. Misihairabwi-Mushonga’s constitutional right to report these abusers to the police, which abusers she claims issued her with death threats.

“No one should be threatened with death for airing their views but we take great exception to anyone wanting to drag President Tsvangirai’s name into the mud by linking him to any of these abusive chat groups.

“He does not and will never be able to control the social media and some of its unruly elements who may wish to commit crimes and to threaten others using his name.”

Full statement below:

Thursday, 14 September 2017

President Tsvangirai has no connection with social media abusers

We note with regret that Hon. Priscilla Misihairabwi –Mushonga is seeking to draw a connection between her alleged social media abusers with President Morgan Tsvangirai.

For the record, President Tsvangirai has no control over social media just as he has no appetite for curtailing freedom of expression, provided that freedom is exercised in a responsible manner. Our respect for freedom of expression is the very reason why we took no issue with the Hon. Member for her views that she aired on national radio where she verbally attacked President Tsvangirai.

We feel she was exercising her freedom of expression in a civilized manner.

In any case, we unreservedly disown the abusive chat groups and the so-called ‘Save Chete Chete’ chat group as not being the official representatives of President Tsvangirai.

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