In recent weeks, Zimbabweans have been caught up in a social media hoax regarding a yacht supposedly purchased by Bellarmine Mugabe, the youngest son of the late former President Robert Mugabe. The yacht, known as Sekuru Bob, was claimed to be a lavish acquisition amidst widespread poverty in the country. However, recent investigations have revealed that the story was nothing more than a social media prank.
The controversy began with a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, which was widely shared across various social media platforms. The post, which circulated rapidly, depicted an image of a yacht with an inscription suggesting it had been bought by Bellarmine Mugabe. By August 21, the post had amassed over 51,200 views since its original appearance on November 15, 2023.
Fact-checking website ZimFact has since debunked the claim. A detailed investigation revealed that the image used in the post had been digitally manipulated. A reverse image search conducted by ZimFact showed that the yacht image was not only altered but also sourced from a photo editing application called PhotoFunia. The yacht featured in the post had appeared on multiple websites dating back to 2018, proving that the purported purchase by Mugabe’s son was fabricated.
The timing of the hoax coincides with ongoing speculation about the wealth of Robert Mugabe’s family. Reports of financial improprieties involving Bellarmine Mugabe have surfaced before, including a 2023 investigation by South Africa’s Amabhungane unit. This report detailed potential money laundering activities amounting to R10 million, linked to Bellarmine Mugabe just before his father’s ouster in the 2017 coup. The investigation revealed a complex web of payments involving unnamed intermediaries and the Gold Mafia exposé.
The Sekuru Bob yacht hoax, while now debunked, reflects broader tensions and frustrations among Zimbabweans facing economic hardships. The spread of such misinformation underscores the impact of social media in shaping public perception and highlights the need for vigilance against fabricated stories. As Zimbabweans continue to navigate economic challenges and political uncertainties, the Sekuru Bob incident serves as a reminder of the power of social media to both mislead and mobilize public opinion.
In other news – Man enraged by ex-girlfriend’s new relationship kills her child
The tragic death of the two-year-old in Chitungwiza has deeply affected the community. The incident, which took place on August 21, 2024, highlights a devastating consequence of personal conflicts and emotional distress.
The suspect, Simbarashe Machipisa, reportedly reacted violently upon learning that his ex-girlfriend was spending the night away, leading him to target the young child under the care of his older sisters. Read More
