A police officer on 21 July 2020 reportedly threatened to shoot TellZim journalist Upenyu Chaota in Masvingo.
According to a Tweet by TellZim, the police officer had demanded that Chaota should go back home as no one was being allowed to get into town. “Brandishing an assault rifle, the officer refused to accept Chaota’s press card saying he was illiterate and could not read,” reads the Tweet.
MISA Zimbabwe position
MISA Zimbabwe is greatly concerned that cases involving the unlawful harassment, assault and arrests of journalists continue with impunity as the culprits are never brought to book.
This is despite the fact that the media has been declared an essential service in terms of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations and measures.
We, therefore, reiterate our incessant calls for these cases to be investigated and ensure the perpetrators are brought to account for their criminal acts which seriously undermine the lawful and professional duties of the media, and ultimately citizens’ right to access to information.
SOS journalists hotline
If you are injured, detained or arrested ín the line of duty, call our 24/7 SOS journalist hotline on 0784 437 338 to access legal and/or medical assistance.
Don’t forget to have the number saved in your phone for emergencies!
Find out more about the hotline here.
