By Itai Mazire

What allies of Dr Paul Tungwarara describe as a dangerous escalation in a long-running vendetta has erupted following the circulation of a fake police statement they say was deliberately designed to put his life at risk.

The document, which falsely claims to be a Zimbabwe Republic Police press release seeking Dr Tungwarara for questioning, has been widely shared on social media platforms despite showing clear signs of fabrication. Those close to him say the intent is no longer just reputational damage, but personal harm.

“This is not about investigations or accountability. This is about endangering a man’s life,” said a source familiar with the situation. “In a volatile environment, falsely portraying someone as wanted by the police is reckless and potentially fatal.”

 

Supporters argue that the document did not originate from the ZRP, noting the absence of official verification, reference numbers, and confirmation from recognised police communication channels. They describe it as a calculated attempt by long-standing business and political rivals to provoke public hostility and invite vigilante actions.

 

Legal observers warn that fabricating law-enforcement documents is a serious offence, especially when used to incite fear, suspicion, or public targeting. “Such actions cross a dangerous line. They weaponise the authority of the state for personal vendettas,” said one analyst.

Those defending Dr Tungwarara say he has not received any formal summons, nor has any charge been laid against him. They insist that if authorities required his cooperation, lawful and transparent procedures would be followed — not anonymous leaks and social-media circulation.

 

The timing of the fake statement has also raised eyebrows, coming amid heightened commercial competition and unresolved disputes involving figures who have openly clashed with Dr Tungwarara in the past.

Observers are now calling on authorities to investigate the source of the forged document, warning that silence risks normalising political and economic warfare through disinformation.

“This is how character assassination turns into something worse,” said one ally. “When enemies fail in boardrooms and courts, they resort to lies that can cost someone their life.”

As of publication, the Zimbabwe Republic Police had not confirmed the authenticity of the circulating statement.