ZMC Raises Alarm As Level Of Journalist Harassment Increases

Zimbabwe Media Commission has called upon all political players to respect the constitutional rights of journalists so that they can do their job without any hinderance.

In a statement dated 13 September 2022, ZMC noted with concern an upsurge in the harassment of media practitioners by political players.

ZMC statement came in after several incidents where journalists are harrassed by political players, recently it is alleged that Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Security personal harassed NewsHawks Journalist Ruvimbo Muchenje at a rally in Chinhoyi.

Last month four journalists Pellagiah Mupurwa, Chelsea Mashayamombe, Tongai Mwenje and Toneo Rutsito were also assaulted by the alleged Zanu PF thugs on their way to cover CCC rally in Gokwe.

“Zimbabwe Media Commission is raising concerns over the increasing case of harassment of media practitioners in the country. These developments on themselves are coming in the wake of the impending 2023 harmonised elections. Attacks of journalists doing their work becomes an attack on our democracy.

In a democracy, the ideals of tolerance and restraint should be the guiding principles in the dealing with media.

“A free media can assist Zimbabwe in cementing the values of democracy as envisaged in National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

ZMC added that it is every journalist right to gather news anywhere in the country.

“Section 61 of the Constitution clearly guarantees freedom of the media. In the exercise or enjoyment of this freedom, journalists and media practitioners have the right to gather news and information anywhere within the boundaries of the country.

“As we are approaching elections, it should be noted that the media in Zimbabwe, like anywhere else in the world provide a very important channel of communication between contestants and the voters. By providing such an arena or platform of public debate, scrutiny and informing the public of the policies of political parties and candidates, the media enable voters to judge for themselves and make informed decisions when they cast their voters’ ballots.

ZMC further said media practitioners must also be accorded the right to have their activities anywhere, at any time just like same right as political parties

“What the Commission has noted is the continued intolerance of some media houses from covering certain political parties and activities. While some media houses may not report on a political party favourably, this does not call for their debarring of some media houses in the coverage of those political parties.

“The Commission is calling upon all political players in the country to respect the constitutionally guaranteed rights of journalists so that they can do their work without any hindrances. We call upon law enforcement agencies to investigate cases of harassment of journalists that have been widely reported and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Doing so will send clear message that violence of any kind will not be tolerated in the 2023 general elections.

“Zimbabwe has just launched Brand Zimbabwe with the objective of creating a positive image of the country. Harassment of Journalists does not do any favour to these efforts,” said ZMC.