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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono at his house on Tuesday.
Chin’ono is being charged on allegations of contempt of court as well as intentionally defeat or obstruct the course of justice.
“The ZRP has arrested Hopewell Chin’ono for contravening Section 182(1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23 or alternatively Contravening Section 182 (1) (b) of the same Act, Contempt of Court and Contravening Section 184(1) (e) of the Code Defeating or obstructing the course of justice.”
In a statement, the ZRP said that the allegations comes between 25th and 27th of October 2020 when he tweeted on his account @daddhope messages that impaired the dignity, reputation and authority of the court intentionally.
“Allegations are that between 25th and 27th October 2020, the suspect used his twitter account to be a doctor and he was @daddyhope to post messages that impaired the dignity, reputation and authority of the court whilst clearly intending to do so”
The police spokesperson Paul Nyathi also confirmed that Chin’ono was also arrested on allegations with
the obstruction of the course of justice and interfering with the National Prosecution Authority (NPA).
“Secondly, Hopewell Chin’ono has confirmed through his twitter handle that he is in a secret and unlawful communication with members of the NPA, an institution that is persecuting him. This has a serious implications as it undermines the integrity of the criminal proceedings against him.”
The police has however added that investigations are in place to expose the relationship between the multi award-winning journalist and prosectors in the NPA.
“A corruption investigation has been launched to determine the true nature and extended of collaboration between the suspect and Prosecutors in the NPA.”
This is the second time Hopewell is being arrested after the July incident when he was arrested without a warrant at his home in Harare.
This followed his series of Twitter posts exposing corrupt government officials including Ministers and the involvement of the first family in a USD60 million COVID-19 equipment deal.
He spent 45 Days in jail on alleged case of inciting public violence.
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