Harare (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Republic Police on Monday arrested MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere on charges of communicating falsehoods.

The charges stem from her statements on twitter alleging that a policeman on lockdown patrol duties had fatally struck a baby that was strapped to its mother’s back.

It later turned out that the policeman had not struck the baby as alleged and that the baby was alive contrary to Mahere’s claims.

“Police have proceeded to charge Advocate Mahere with violating section 31 of the Criminal Code. She is at Harare Central Police Station,” her legal representatives, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said.

“Broad charge against advocate Mahere is section 31 of Criminal Code publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the state. She is accused of –section 31(a)(i), publishing or communicating a statement intending or realising risk or possibility of inciting or promoting public disorder or endangering public safety sec 31(a)(iii) undermining public confidence in law enforcement agency.”

Last week, the police also arrested political activist Hopewell Chin’ono and MDC Alliance vice chairperson Job Sikhala on the same charges as Mahere.

New Ziana