Tawanda Mudimu a photographer with The Herald was on 14 May 2018 reportedly manhandled by supporters of the MDC-T while covering demonstrations at the party’s headquarters in Harare.
According to The Herald, Mudimu had to run for dear life after some supporters of the party pounced on him. They reportedly manhandled him demanding that he should delete the pictures he had taken during the demonstrations.
MISA Zimbabwe position
Political parties should urge their supporters to desist from harassing journalists conducting their lawful professional duties. On the other hand, journalists should conduct pre-assignment risk assessments before venturing into hostile political environments.
Risk assessment also includes finding vantage points from where you can cover an event from a safe distance without attracting unnecessary attention to yourself.
End