Journalist briefly detained
15 Feb, 2024
What happened
Admire Chitsungo, a freelance journalist based in Kadoma was arrested and detained briefly at Kadoma Central Police Station.
Chitsungo said he was arrested on 10 February 2024 while taking pictures of the local Municipal Police confiscating vendors’ wares in the town’s central business district.
At the station, he presented his Zimbabwe Media Commission-issued press card which expired on the 31st of January 2023. The policeman that arrested him reportedly shouted at him for using an expired card.
He was later released without charge upon the intervention of a senior officer at the police station.
MISA's position
Responsible authorities should ensure that journalists conduct their lawful professional duties without hindrance as their profession is at the core of citizens’ exercise and enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression and access to information as provided by the Constitution.
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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.
Latest media violations
Those affected:
Freelance journalist Admire Chitsungo
Freelance journalist Admire Chitsungo
Number affected:
1
1
Perpetrators:
Police Officers
Police Officers
Types of actors:
State
State
Location:
Kadoma
Kadoma