CHEFO appeals to the public to verify facts before sharing on social media as it distances itself from contents of letter published by Julius Mithi on Facebook

* The signature on the letter is not that of CHEFO’s secretary general and that the secretary general’s name is not Ellia

* This is a clear sign that the letter in question has been authored by someone with evil intensions to incriminate CHEFO

By Duncan Mlanjira

The Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) has in categorically dissociated itself from a letter that was published by social media influencer, Julius Zimwanda Mithi on his Facebook page and asks the public to verify facts before sharing on social media.

The letter purportedly indicated that CHEFO raised deep concern that some senior chiefs are using their influence to openly campaign or endorse presidential candidates on the basis of ethnic alignment ahead of Tuesday’s general election.

CHEFO senior members that included secretary general, Ellius Chizimba; vice-chairperson, Elliot Lungu and director of publicity Beatrice Bangula held a press conference last even to distance itself from the letter.

In its statement, CHEFO indicated that it noted “with great concern regarding the conduct of some Malawians whose motive is to bring the good name of CHEFO in disrepute”.

The letter is purported to have been issued out by CHEFO secretary general under the first name of Ellia and not Ellius — thus CHEFO categorically dissociate itself from the letter as not been been by any of its members.

“The signature on the letter is not that of CHEFO’s secretary general and that the secretary general’s name is not Ellia. This is a clear sign that the letter in question has been authored by someone with evil intensions to incriminate CHEFO.

“CHEFO would like to appeal to people like Mr. Mithi to verify facts and authenticity and originality of such documents before posting them on social media.

“Posting false information has the potential to harm and injure innocent people and can negatively impact our maturing democracy.

“Additionally, as CHEFO we implore Mr. Mithi to also share with us or inform the nation regarding the source of this letter. We would further like to urge him that in future he should desist from sharing documents which are not authentic.”

Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) always warns people against circulating false and incriminating information on social media, strongly reminding that such behaviour contravenes the Law under Cybersecurity Act.

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