Media violations

NewsDay journalist Rex Mphisa and Zimpapers sales representative Charles Marerwa were on 27 August 2020 acquitted by Magistrate Ania Chimweta on charges of violating the COVID-19 regulations.

On the night of 23 August 2020, the offices of Canal De Mozambique (CanalMoz) suffered a suspected arson attack with reports indicating that computers and other key equipment were burnt down.

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono was on 24 August 2020 denied bail yet again following his fresh bail application on the basis of changed circumstances.

Harare Magistrate Ngoni Nduna on 20 August 2020 reserved ruling in the fresh bail application by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono to Monday, 24 August 2020.

Harare magistrate Ngoni Nduna on 18 August 2020 disqualified lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa from representing journalist Hopewell Chin’ono who is in custody on charges of inciting public violence.

The fresh bid for bail by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono will be heard in camera on 13 August 2020 at the Harare Magistrates Court following an application to that effect by the State.

Journalist Gilbert Munetsi spent the night in police cells after he was arrested by police in Chitungwiza outside Harare on 7 August 2020 around 8 pm for allegedly violating the 6 am – 6 pm curfew imposed in terms of the COVID-19 regulations.

Lawyers representing journalist Hopewell Chin’ono on 7 August 2020 said they will be making a fresh application for bail following denial of his appeal for bail by High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi.

High Court judge on 6 August 2020 dismissed journalist Hopewell Chin’ono’s appeal for bail saying the appellant had failed to prove any misdirection of fact, law or both by the magistrate that denied him bail.

Tawanda Muchehiwa nephew to ZimLive editor Mduduzi Mathuthu appeared before the magistrate’s court in Bulawayo in compliance with the directive by a High Court judge.