A recent fact-check by PRNigeria found that Maxwell Chikumbutso’s claims of inventing a “fuel-free” car powered by radio waves are false. Their investigation identified the vehicle as an electric model and claimed inventions as commercially available products. This underscores the importance of verifying extraordinary claims in a misinformation-prone landscape.
PRNigeria recently debunked a viral claim about Zimbabwean inventor Maxwell Chikumbutso’s purported “radio wave-powered” car. The allegation, circulated through a video, stated that Chikumbutso’s vehicle operates without fuel, electricity, or charging, asserting it was superior to Tesla’s innovations. Claims also suggested an upcoming launch date of February 10, 2025, emphasizing support for local innovation.
Upon review, PRNigeria’s fact-check team found that Chikumbutso’s claims are misleading and unsupported by credible evidence. Reports from Zimbabwean media revealed skepticism about Chikumbutso, with critics branding him a “bogus inventor.” Notably, the car he showcased was identified as a Kaiyi X3 Pro electric vehicle, functioning with a lithium-ion battery rather than being a groundbreaking invention.
Further investigation uncovered that his purported hypersonic device was, in fact, a commercially available Browey Portable Power Station, which had previously debuted on Amazon. Award-winning journalist Hopewell Rugoho-Chin’ono criticized the uncritical reporting from Zimbabwean state media regarding Chikumbutso’s unfounded claims.
PRNigeria reiterated the necessity of verifying extraordinary technological claims in a digital age rife with misinformation. Their investigation emphasizes the importance of scrutiny when individuals promote radical technological advances that lack substantiating evidence, encouraging due diligence among the public, especially concerning endorsements from esteemed personalities.
The claims regarding a radio wave-powered car emerged amidst increasing skepticism regarding revolutionary inventions in the automotive field, particularly in Africa. Maxwell Chikumbutso has positioned himself as an innovative figure, yet his assertions have drawn heightened scrutiny from journalists and fact-checking organizations. Discerning fact from fiction in such technological claims is crucial in safeguarding public perception and scientific integrity, particularly in environments prone to sensationalism.
The investigation by PRNigeria revealed that Chikumbutso’s so-called revolutionary inventions were merely repackaged commercial products. The findings serve as a reminder of the critical need for fact-checking in an era where information travels rapidly and misinformation can easily spread. Assertions that claim to redefine technology must be approached with skepticism, and thorough verification should precede public acceptance.
Original Source: economicconfidential.com
