Zimbabwean Man Arrested in Botswana for Allegedly Spreading False Information on Social Media
AfriNews 247 | Breaking News Africa, 4th July 2020
Gaborone, Botswana – A Zimbabwean national has been arrested in Botswana over allegations of publishing false information on social media that authorities claim could incite public alarm and threaten national security.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Richard Matanga, was apprehended in Gaborone on Monday by the Botswana Police Service (BPS) following investigations into a viral post he made on Facebook. In the post, Matanga reportedly claimed that there were imminent attacks planned in key urban areas, including the capital city.
According to police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Near Bagali, Matanga’s post suggested that foreign nationals were being targeted in planned coordinated assaults — a claim officials say is entirely unsubstantiated and has the potential to incite fear and ethnic tension.
“We would like to caution members of the public against spreading unverified information, especially on platforms with wide reach,” said Superintendent Bagali. “Matanga’s actions not only caused unnecessary panic but also diverted security resources from legitimate operations.”
Authorities confirmed that the suspect is being held under Botswana’s Cybercrime and Computer Related Crimes Act, which criminalizes the publication of false or misleading information with intent to cause public disorder or unrest.
If convicted, Matanga could face a fine, imprisonment, or both, depending on the court’s ruling. He is expected to appear before the Gaborone Magistrate’s Court later this week.
This incident adds to growing concerns across Southern Africa over the misuse of social media, where unverified content and conspiracy theories can go viral within minutes, often leading to real-world consequences.
Botswana authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding freedom of expression but warned that such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and within the boundaries of the law.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean embassy in Gaborone has acknowledged the arrest and is reportedly monitoring the situation closely to ensure the suspect’s rights are protected.
AfriNews 247 will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
