MDC Alliance youths on 15 July 2018 assaulted freelance journalist Tamuka Charakupa in Harare’s dormitory town of Chitungwiza.
According to Charakupa, he was assaulted following clashes between MDC Alliance youths and those from Zanu PF. He said the MDC-Alliance youths were part of a convoy of vehicles that roamed Chitungwiza South for most of the afternoon canvassing for votes for the party’s candidate, Advocate Maxwell Mavhunga.
Four MDC Alliance youths accosted Charakupa as he took pictures of the clashes with his mobile phone. One of the youths snatched his phone. Charakupa’s spectacles were also broken in the process after he received a blow to his ear.
He reported the incident to the police and managed to identify two of his assailants following Mavhunga’s assistance, resulting in their arrest. The suspects who are in custody are expected to appear in court on 17 July 2018 on charges of assault and theft.
MISA Zimbabwe position
MISA Zimbabwe urges supporters of political parties to desist from perpetrating violence and assaulting journalists conducting their constitutionally protected duties of gathering and disseminating information.
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