Zanu PF Director of Information, Farai Marapira, has called for a public apology from a social media user who accused him of involvement in the alleged disappearance of environmental activist and farmer, Nadia Vongai Mabvirakare.
Reports indicate that Mabvirakare was forcibly taken from her home in Chitungwbiza on Wednesday evening. A police report has been filed at Makoni Police Station under RRB Number 6346710.
On Monday night, a user identified as @DrAfricanPride posted on X, alleging that Marapira and Zanu PF national youth member for the environment, Batsirai Joel Matiza, were responsible for Mabvirakare’s disappearance.
Marapira denied any involvement, stating that his only connection to the matter was introducing Mabvirakare to Matiza when she sought assistance for a farming project.
“That was the extent of my involvement, aside from occasional updates from both of them as they were excited about their project,” Marapira explained in response to the accusation.
According to him, the conflict between Mabvirakare and Matiza began in January when Matiza informed him that an audit team had found evidence of financial mismanagement on her part.
“Since I was the one who introduced them, I went to Matiza’s office to understand the situation. After they explained, I messaged Nadia, requesting a meeting to discuss the matter,” he said.
He further explained that Mabvirakare agreed to meet him the next day and informed him that the issue had already been reported to the police. Marapira then asked how he could mediate between them before stepping away from the matter.
“She asked me to request Matiza to suspend the police report and suggested meeting at a neutral venue,” he added.
Marapira insisted that the netizen issue a public apology.
“Since you made the accusations publicly, take responsibility and publicly acknowledge that they were unfounded,” he said.
“Maybe next time, an inquiry before making such claims would be a good idea.”
Police are currently investigating Mabvirakare’s alleged disappearance.
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