The insensitivity and selfishness of Mugabe?

I have recently read in a newspaper that Robert Mugabe was affirming that there was no cholera outbreak in his country, although everybody knows the truth. How can a president be that much insensitive? Why are Zimbabwean people not rising in rebellion?I know that Robert Mugabe has the management of the government since 1980. Why does no one stands against him?I think the poverty in the country can be a logical reason for a rebellion in the country. Do they need an impulsive force?