MUSICIAN Emegy Slyvester Chizanga, popularly known as Freeman, has come out to explain an old picture in which he was holding a gun that has set social media ablaze.
Social media has revisited a picture taken during the filming of a video to his song, Robbery.
The interest in the picture was generated by Freeman’s visit to Harare Central Police station on Tuesday questioning by Harare CID Homicide section in connection with ‘ongoing investigations into criminal allegations and association with armed robbery suspects.’
In a statement Thursday, Freeman’s lawyer Dumisani Mthombeni said there are individuals who have intentionally decided to further perpetuate the falsehoods that Freeman could be involved in armed robbery.
Below is the statement in full:
“Our client FREEMAN has noted with concern, the falsehoods and disinformation being peddled on social media by some individuals who have been commenting on a picture circulating on social media platforms.
We are instructed by client, for professional reasons, preservation of the integrity of his name and brand; to set the record straight as follows;
The much talked about picture currently circulating on social media was taken during the video shooting of the song Robbery by Freeman.
Anyone who cares to watch the said video will realise that Freeman was putting on the same clothes, and carrying the same paraphernalia appearing in the footage. The same bag appears in the video footage. Many witnesses who were available during the video shoot can testify to the above.
The Robbery album project
3. It is very unfortunate that some individuals have intentionally decided to manipulate this opportunity; use such pictures to further perpetuate the falsehoods that Freeman could be involved in armed robbery which is far from being true. That picture was not taken during or after a robbery; it was all dramatised acting to depict the message of the love song ROBBERY.
4. Members of the public are implored not to jump into conclusions and are reminded that our very capable police officers and detectives are currently investigating these false allegations against our client and will not leave any stone unturned. We implore you all to be patient and allow the police to do their job professionally without being pressured to jump into any baseless conclusions not supported by concrete evidence.
5. We further humbly implore members of the public and Zimbabweans at large to desist from the habit of speculating falsehoods and disinformation as this will hurt client’s image, reputation and brand. Let us celebrate artists like Freeman who have done so well and worked so hard to get to where they are now as opposed to destroying them needlessly and without just cause. We advise that should the police or detectives ever find anything tangible that may suggest that Freeman may have committed any offense, such pronouncement will be made and due process will be followed. As at this instance there is nothing to the best of our knowledge that suggests that Freeman may have a case to answer in court. He remains available and willing to assist the police in any way with their investigations should that be necessary.
6. Last but not least, Freeman would like to thank his legion of fans and followers across the globe who have contacted him sympathising with him and expressing their support either directly or on various social media platforms. Your faith, confidence and belief in his innocence means a lot to him. It has not only strengthened his resolve to music but it has made him STRONGER. He reassures his fans that he is not a criminal and has never been involved with armed robbers. Freeman is just but a hardworking musician. Expect new music from him as he remains focused on his music career.
