Botswana Refutes Mnangagwa Cattle Gift Allegations – Eduzim News

Gaborone-The government of Botswana has dismissed reports circulating on online news platforms and social media alleging that Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa gifted 10 cattle to the President of Botswana, Duma Boko, during a recent official visit.

President Mnangagwa recently visited Botswana as the rotational chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to inspect the regional bloc’s headquarters and assess new projects proposed under SADC’s agenda.

The visit, hosted by President Boko, was part of routine diplomatic engagements.

Rumours of the cattle gift emerged shortly after the visit, prompting the Office of the President of Botswana to issue a strongly-worded statement through Press Secretary Emang Mutapati, unequivocally denying the claims.

Mutapati stated:

“The Office of the President categorically refutes false allegations that President Duma Boko has received any breed of cows or similar gifts from His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe. President Boko has never been involved in farming, either as a cattle rancher or in any other capacity.”

Describing the claims as baseless propaganda, Mutapati emphasised that they were designed to mislead the public, disrupt the government’s work, and undermine the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.

She further called on media institutions, particularly the Botswana Editors Forum, to guard against misinformation and hold rogue elements accountable.

Mutapati concluded by reaffirming the professional and developmental focus of the relationship between the two presidents:

“The relationship between President Boko and President Mnangagwa remains diplomatic, focused solely on strengthening cooperation and fostering mutual development between the two nations.”

The statement serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate reporting in safeguarding the integrity of both nations and their leaders.

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