By 
Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana says he is not privy to the circumstances that led to the arrest of investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.
Speaking during SABC’s Morning Live programme, Mangwana failed to answer to a question raised by presenter Sakina Kamwendo.
Kamwendo asked about the charges being levelled against Chin’ono to which Mangwana pretending to have not heard the question properly said he is not sure.
“What are the charges being faced by Mr Hopewell Chi’nono without getting into the specifics of the case?” Kamwendo asked.
“I haven’t had a good pick at the charge sheet but I would say casually that I think it’s something to do with subverting a constitutional government or something along those lines. But to be honest I have not been taking a keen interest on the charge sheet,” Mangwana responded.
Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume were arrested last month on allegations of inciting public violence ahead of the foiled July 31 demonstration.
The duo’s arrest attracted the international community yet a government official says is not aware of the charges levelled against an individual who has caught the public attention.
Stunned by Mangwana’s response Kamwendo further questioned, “But why not!? This is such a high-profile case that has gained much traction outside of Zimbabwe which has led to the Zimbabwean government being accused of human rights abuses, if the charges are so serious and you the secretary for information should have a handle on at least what exactly the charges are?”
To which Mangwana said he came unprepared for the Chin’ono discussion.
“I can get the charge sheet but, obviously I didn’t know that we were going to speak about Hopewell,” Mangwana said.
Chin’ono, an outspoken government critic and Ngarivhume, leader of a small party named Transform Zimbabwe are still in custody since their arrest a month ago.
The Zimbabwean courts have denied the two bail on several occasions.
Comments