Home 9 Media violations 9 Journalists apply for discharge on charges of breaching COVID-19 regulations

Journalists apply for discharge on charges of breaching COVID-19 regulations

Chikowore, Takawira, COVID-19 regulations, Zimbabwe
1 Sep, 2020
Freelance journalists Frank Chikowore and Samuel Takawira on 1 September 2020 applied for discharge at the close of the State case on allegations of breaching the COVID-19 regulations.

Freelance journalists Frank Chikowore and Samuel Takawira on 1 September 2020 applied for discharge at the close of the State case on allegations of breaching the COVID-19 regulations.

Paidamoyo Saurombe who is representing Chikowore and Takawira, applied for discharge saying the State had failed to prove its case.

Mbare magistrate, Kudzai Hove, will deliver ruling on 10 September 2020.

The journalists are on bail on charges of breaching Section 11 (b) of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 in terms of the COVID-19 regulations by allegedly disobeying a lawful order from a police officer.

It is alleged that they refused to obey an order by the police officer to maintain social distancing as per the lockdown regulations.

They were arrested at Parktown Clinic in Harare’s Waterfalls suburb on 22 May 2020, where three female MDC Alliance officials, that include Member of Parliament for Harare West Joanna Mamombe, were being treated following their alleged abduction and torture after staging a demonstration in Warren Park, Harare.

Chikowore and Takawira had reportedly gone to the clinic to interview the three MDC Alliance officials resulting in their arrest.

About MISA

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.

Share this

Related news

Now Available: AI Report on Southern Africa

Now Available: AI Report on Southern Africa

Executive Summary Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a constant in most people`s lives through its application in commerce, education, health, public service delivery, communications, governance, agriculture, and manufacturing. While most AI tools...

ACHPR raises concern over mass surveillance

ACHPR raises concern over mass surveillance

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has raised concern about the prevalence of mass surveillance and unlawful targeted communication surveillance that does not conform with international human rights law and standards. The ACHPR said this...

Violence against women serious breach of human rights

Violence against women serious breach of human rights

Violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide which is being worsened by targeting and attacking women including female journalists who are vocal online. As the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence...