By Takudzwa Changadeya
Gaborone, Botswana – The Office of the President of Botswana has strongly denied allegations that President Duma Boko received gifts, including cattle, from Zimbabwean leader Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a press statement issued by Emang Mutapati, Press Secretary to the President, the claims were dismissed as “baseless and unfounded.”
The statement highlighted that President Boko has never been involved in farming and has no connection to cattle ranching.
“These baseless and unfounded claims are therefore a deliberate act of propaganda designed to mislead the public, detract from the critical work of the administration, and tarnish the strong diplomatic relations between Botswana and Zimbabwe,” Mutapati said.
Mutapati further urged the public to ignore the allegations, describing them as part of a misinformation campaign.
“We urge the public to dismiss these misleading allegations with the contempt they deserve,” Mutapati added.
The Office of the President also called on the Botswana Editors Forum to uphold journalistic integrity and protect citizens from individuals “masquerading as journalists” who spread false information.
The relationship between President Boko and President Mnangagwa, according to Mutapati, remains focused on diplomacy and mutual development.
“The relationship between President Boko and President Mnangagwa remains diplomatic, focused solely on strengthening cooperation and fostering mutual development between the two nations,” Mutapati said.
Mutapati concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency and preserving the strong ties between Botswana and Zimbabwe.
