By A Correspondent
In a desperate move to monitor and control internal party communication, the Mnangagwa regime is planning to employ new technology to detect and shut down ghost accounts on social media.
This covert plan aims to clamp down on the growing issue of fake and anonymous accounts that are believed to be fueling discord within the ruling party, Zanu PF.
During a media briefing in Harare on Thursday, Patrick Chinamasa, the party’s Secretary for Legal Affairs, disclosed that the government had started developing an advanced system to track these ghost accounts, a move he claimed was critical to safeguarding party unity and maintaining discipline among members.
“We now have technology capable of detecting ghost accounts on social media,” Chinamasa announced, signaling a more aggressive approach to monitoring online activity.
“This will help us identify and neutralize those who use fake accounts to destabilize the party.”
The revelation of the Mnangagwa regime’s plans follows a surge in factionalism within the party, largely fueled by the uncontrolled spread of misinformation and division through platforms like WhatsApp and other social media channels. Chinamasa added, “We must take a firm stance and address indiscipline. Anyone who uses social media to undermine the party will be held accountable.”
The Growing Concern Over Social Media Disruption
The decision to employ high-tech surveillance tools comes after a series of disciplinary actions within the party, including the expulsion of several members accused of using social media to undermine the unity of Zanu PF. These actions were highlighted in Chinamasa’s address, where he stressed that the Politburo had taken significant steps to maintain party discipline.
Chinamasa revealed that high-ranking members were expelled or faced suspensions after they were found to be involved in disruptive social media activity. Among the most notable cases was the expulsion of Blessed Geza, who was accused of creating fake social media accounts that undermined the party’s interests.
Other notable expulsions included Gifford Gomwe, who created a WhatsApp group believed to be working against party cohesion, and Victor Manungu, who was dismissed for spreading falsehoods and causing disunity through social media.
Chinamasa confirmed that, moving forward, Zanu PF will be implementing a more structured approach to managing its digital presence. “The Commissariat will develop a Social Media policy, with a team consisting of the Commissariat, Legal Department, Science Department, and Information Department,” he stated. The new policy mandates that all party WhatsApp groups must receive prior approval and that administrators will be held responsible for the activities within these groups.
Technological Oversight in the Age of Social Media
One of the most notable aspects of the new plan is the introduction of technological oversight to track and detect fake social media accounts. Chinamasa explained, “The technology we are developing will allow us to detect ghost accounts that have been used to create division and spread harmful content.”
The introduction of this technology aligns with the regime’s broader efforts to monitor and control public discourse, particularly when it comes to protecting the interests of the ruling party. Chinamasa’s statement comes amid growing concerns about the role of social media in shaping political narratives and influencing public opinion.