1/3 Fake news is the stubbon stain of social media. There is no escaping it and every country is affected. It spreads, infects and pollutes. But the best way to counter fake news about government actors such as the police, is to communicate quickly, proactively and transparently.

2/3 Government actors must also understand the propaganda value of bad news, even when it has to be faked. State media has long had the monopoly on propaganda. Social media is the great equalizer. To counter fake news, government actors should communicate better and more honestly

3/3 Arresting people for spreading fake news is pointless as it only feeds more fake news and conspiracy theories. Clearly, no lessons have been learned since Andrew Meldrum was deported for the Guardian fake news about Blandina Tadyanemhandu, the “headless woman” of Magunje.