Political Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has swiftly countered claims circulating on social media that a 68-year-old man collapsed and died while in line at a polling station in Warren Park High School.
The rumours, which have been primarily disseminated by certain opposition members, implied that the elderly individual died as a result of the extended time he spent waiting to cast his vote.
In an official statement yesterday, the ZRP clarified the situation saying that the correct position was that an elderly man collapsed at a polling station and was taken to a medical facility where he is recovering.
"The ZRP dispels information circulating on social media and quoted by some media outlets that a 68-year-old man died this afternoon at a polling station at Warren Park High School, Harare. The correct position is that the man collapsed and was taken to a local medical facility where he is receiving treatment. The ZRP will provide the full particulars of the man tomorrow during the consolidated media briefing,” reads the ZRP statement.
Political commentator Gift Guzho said that the swift response from the ZRP underlines the necessity for accurate information during critical electoral periods, emphasizing the importance of preventing misinformation from influencing public perception and the electoral process.
In other news related to the elections, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has made notable progress in addressing logistical hiccups that affected some polling centres.
Stations that were unable to commence operations yesterday due to various challenges are now reported to be running smoothly today.
Guzho said that the development was a testament to the commission's commitment to ensuring that all eligible voters get an opportunity to exercise their democratic right without unnecessary delays.
Meanwhile, as the voting process continues, authorities and electoral officials urge the public to rely on official sources for information, emphasizing the importance of factual reporting and the dangers of misinformation during this critical period.
