Josephine Mutongi, a prominent social media influencer has been compelled to issue a public apology after authorities branded her a criminal after illegal fundraising for Kuwadzana tragedy families . Her offence? Organising an unsanctioned fundraising drive and protest in the wake of the devastating Kuwadzana Extension tragedy, where three young children were found dead.
The nation remains gripped by the heartbreaking case, with the bodies of the three minors discovered in the boot of a car last Friday, two days after they were reported missing. As the community reels, the police have moved swiftly to clamp down on what they describe as opportunistic actions exploiting the families’ grief.
Police Rebukes Illegal Fundraising And March
The Zimbabwe Republic Police released a hard-hitting statement explicitly naming and shaming Mutongi for her activities. The national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, did not mince words, accusing her of creating confusion and mobilising funds under false pretences.
ALSO READ: ZRP Warns Of Scammers Exploiting Kuwadzana Children Tragedy For Fake Donations
Commissioner Nyathi stated,
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns criminals who are now taking advantage of the Kuwadzana children’s tragedy to mobilise the public to deposit or send money into Ecocash and InnBucks accounts owned or controlled by Josephine Mutongi, under the guise of assistance to the families.” He further condemned calls for a protest concerning alleged missing body parts, confirming, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police has no evidence that one or all of the victims had missing body parts.”
The statement made it clear that the grieving families had disowned Mutongi’s efforts. Commissioner Nyathi concluded with a firm warning, saying,
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly warns anyone or groups who are agitating for violence or illegal gatherings that the law will definitely take its course without fear or favour.”
“My Intention Was Good,” Claims apologetic Influencer after illegal fundraising
Faced with severe legal pressure and having her mobile money accounts shut down, Mutongi offered a contrite apology. In an interview, she claimed ignorance was the root of her troubles, not malice.
“I genuinely didn’t know that we needed police clearance for the march,” Josephine confessed. “My goal was simply to bring some colour to the mourners, to uplift their spirits during this difficult time.”
She detailed how her fundraising initiative gained traction, explaining,
“I had posted on my social media, inviting contributions of US$1, which some people generously increased to two and even those living abroad sent in their donations.”
ALSO READ: Kuwadzana Children Had No Missing Body Parts: ZRP Dismisses Claims In Viral Audios
After being alerted to the account closures and potential legal repercussions, she claimed to have distributed the US$335 (approx. R6,030) she had already collected to the families in the presence of a church secretary.
“I sincerely apologize for my actions; my intention was never to disrespect the law or to exploit this tragedy,” she said. “I wanted to honour the lost souls and show support to their families.”
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The post Influencer Issues Humiliating Apology After Police Label Her A Criminal For Illegal Kuwadzana Tragedy Fundraising appeared first on iHarare News.
