Authorities have dismissed the story as baseless and issued a stern warning against the circulation of fake news.

Viral Rumours of Wooing and Arrest Flood Social Media

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, social media platforms were set ablaze with rumours alleging that Sulumani Chimbetu had attempted to "woo" Grace Mugabe during a chance encounter in Mazowe. The viral narrative escalated, with some posts claiming that the former First Lady was unimpressed and had subsequently filed a harassment report, leading to Chimbetu's arrest at a Harare police station.

"We Never Received Such a Report": Police Debunk Claims

In a definitive statement, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has poured cold water on the entire saga, confirming that the story is a fabrication. He explicitly stated that no such report had been filed at any police station and that the ZRP had no record of the alleged incident.

"We never received such a report…," Commissioner Nyathi told The Daily News on Tuesday afternoon. He went on to issue a broader warning to the public about the dangers and potential consequences of spreading unverified information online, stating, "we are warning people who are abusing social media…" This official dismissal from the highest levels of the ZRP effectively debunks the arrest claims.

Sulumani Chimbetu Echoes Police, Denies Allegations

The police's statement aligns perfectly with Sulumani Chimbetu's own denial of the allegations. The musician had earlier told ZimLive that he had never made any romantic advances toward the widow of the late President Robert Mugabe, describing the claims as a malicious attempt to tarnish his reputation.

"I’m just seeing the messages and posts going viral about the allegations. It’s not true. Nothing of that sort has ever happened, and these are just people trying to create content in a bad way," he said.

Grace Mugabe, who recently celebrated her 60th birthday with a private luxury party at the Blue Roof Mansion, has not issued any public comment on the matter.

ZRP Confirms No Report Filed Over Alleged Romantic Advances Towards Grace Mugabe

Grace Mugabe

The potential for such falsehoods to cause significant reputational damage is a major concern. Police and regulators are increasingly urging citizens to practice responsible digital citizenship by verifying facts and sources before sharing content, warning that fake news doesn't just go viral; it can ruin lives.