By Derick Tsimba

In its efforts to curb social media abuse within the party Zanu-Pf Mashonaland West Province has summoned its social media group administrators for a meeting to be held at its Provincial offices.

Zanu-Pf Mashonaland West Province in its letter dated 05 March 2019 said it was concerned with the rampart and gross social media abuse.

“We have noted with concern the rampart and gross social media abuse in Mashonaland West Zanu-Pf structures where party members are disrespecting and vilifying leaders through politics of patronage. Disciplinary measures will be taken against those found on the wrong side of the law,” read the letter from Zanu-Pf.

Social Media should be used as a constructive tool regardless of its ability to be distractive.  Relatedly President Emmerson Mnangagwa speaking recently over the violent demonstrations that occurred on 14 January 2019 said these violent demonstrations were a result of social media abuse.

“The country witnessed the ugly stare of terror and violence throughout the country’s urban areas in the disguise of mass protest demonstrations.

 “What was indeed worrisome was the premeditated nature of this unprecedented violence including active participation by strenuous foreign hands in collaboration with local surrogates disguised as political civic labour Non Governmental groupings. The demonstrations were neither civil nor peaceful and were bent on regime change, there were violent riots politically motivated premeditated well organised and well coordinated,” said the President.

Harare Post has learnt Government continues to take strides towards protecting its citizens from social media abuse through the Cyber Crime Bill which will make it a criminal offense to incite violence on social media.