ZimTracker follows a systematic process to identify a topic or issue or claim to fact check. We research on it and then correct some mis or disinformation, half-truth, lies or exaggerations both on social and mainstream media. We strive to do our fact-checking in an engaging and interactive manner.

At ZimTracker, we also go a step further-we do not only wait for something to be claimed or said so that we correct it. We also investigate on our own and report on issues and topics/pictures that need to be fact checked even before they are addressed by the policy makers or private office bearers. That way, we feel we will jolt them to account.

Our sources include-but are not limited to-mainstream and social media platforms, high profile political debates, government and opposition officials’ remarks or speeches, state of the nation addresses and policy pronouncements.

We also take suggestions from the readers.

Research

We go out widely and wildly to find supporting facts and sift fiction. This includes, firstly, consulting the persons or organisations who have made claims to see their sources and supporting documents, reviewing other sources of primary information as well as consulting experts and people in the know.

Editing

After our reporters write, the fact check reports go through a vigorous editing process that also involves fact checkers and a lawyer. For images, we use online tools and geo-location facilities to verify whether an image is false, used in the wrong context or out rightly fake.

The story passes through a line editor, to the copy editor, then the editor and fact checker, as well as our lawyer, who checks every detail to avoid repeating the inaccuracies.  We select the right words to avoid further harming or victimising the victims.

ZimTracker will inspect the evidence based on available credible data and set out our evidence and findings. Our verdict of a claim/assertion ranges from being correct, mostly correct, unproven, misleading, exaggerated, understated or out rightly incorrect.