ZRP Dismisses Claims That Presidential Adviser Paul Tungwarara Is Under Investigation By CID

Police Dismiss Fake Probe Claims Against Mnangagwa’s Adviser

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has swiftly denied claims circulating on social media that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s adviser, Paul Tungwarara, is under criminal investigation. The force has branded a viral document as fake and issued a stern warning against using artificial intelligence to create false statements.

In a press statement released on 13 December 2025, the police directly addressed the specific allegations. The fake document had claimed the Commercial Crimes Division was seeking to question Tungwarara over his companies, Paulos Construction and Prevail Group International.

Commissioner P. Nyathi, the Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, stated: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses a fake and false statement circulating on social media… The Police has not issued this statement and dismisses it with the contempt it deserves.”

The statement made the police’s position unequivocally clear:

“For the record, the Criminal Investigation Department’s Commercial Crimes Division is not conducting any investigations on Dr. Tempter Paul Tungwarara.”

Police Issue Warning On AI-Generated Forgeries

The official response went beyond a simple denial. It highlighted the modern methods believed to be behind the forgery and served a warning to those responsible.

The statement concluded: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns individuals and syndicates against using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to cause confusion, alarm and despondency in the country.”

The police vowed that the law would take its course against the perpetrators “without fear or favour once the suspects are identified.”

Context: Recent Political Setback For Tungwarara

The police statement comes amidst other developments concerning Tungwarara. Just days before, on 11 December 2025, his rapid political rise within the ruling Zanu PF party hit a procedural obstacle.

The party’s National Political Commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha, nullified Tungwarara’s co-option into Zanu PF’s powerful 300-member central committee. The Manicaland Provincial Coordinating Committee had approved this co-option on 7 December.

Machacha’s letter stated the provincial body violated party rules, as the vacant seat belonged to a member from Chipinge district and therefore must be filled by another nominee from that same district. The commissar’s letter also included a pointed warning.

He wrote that the “issuance of money, goods or services” by aspirants would be treated as vote-buying and lead to automatic disqualification.

Reports had alleged that Tungwarara distributed cash and bought food for delegates ahead of the provincial vote. The Manicaland province has been instructed to restart the selection process in line with party regulations.