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Journalists assaulted by police in Mbare

10 Oct, 2022

What happened

Dunmore Mundai and Gaddaffi Wells journalists with HStvNEWS were on 10 October 2022 assaulted by the police in Harare’s suburb of Mbare while they were working on a documentary.

The journalists had gone to Mbare to work on a documentary when they witnessed the police dispersing and assaulting vendors and proceeded to film the incident.

According to the journalists, they were caught up in the melee before being bundled into a police truck where they were detained.

They were only released after disclosing that they were journalists.

Mundai sustained injuries on his arm and back.

MISA's position

MISA Zimbabwe condemns these increasing cases of violence against journalists in Zimbabwe.

On the 2nd of November 2022, the entire globe will be commemorating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

We therefore urge the Government of Zimbabwe, through key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zimbabwe Media Commission, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, to come up with concrete mechanisms to curb these worrying media freedom violations.

As stated before, the perpetrators should be brought to book as this will go a long way in sending a strong and clear message that: Journalism is Not a Crime!

On the other hand, journalists should conduct risk assessments before covering potentially dangerous assignments as provided for in the journalism safety and security manuals to protect themselves from potential harm to their lives.

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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:
Journalists Dunmore Mundai and Gaddaffi Wells
Number affected:
2
Perpetrators:
Police Officers
Types of actors:
State
Location:
Harare (Mbare)