Kariba journalist files police report following threats from security company
14 Feb, 2025
What happened
Dumisani Mawere, a journalist with Kasambabezi community radio station in Kariba, says he is living in fear following threats he allegedly received from a security company in the resort town regarding a story he wrote.
According to Mawere this came after he wrote a story concerning an officer with MarkGun Security Company who was allegedly caught in a “compromising position” with a minor.
He said he received “hostile online threats” from the company’s management on 11 February 2025 following publication of the story.
“I feel unsafe and vulnerable in my work as a journalist. The threats from MarkGun security company indicate a deliberate attempt to silence my reporting,” said Mawere.
“I feel pressured to self-censor which directly affects my ability to report freely on matters affecting my community.”
Mawere said he filed a report with the police under RRB 6156220.
“Following the frightening encounter, the police later recorded my statement and provided me with three contact numbers in case of further threats,” he said.
MISA's position
MISA Zimbabwe urges the police to ensure the journalist’s safety and security so that he can continue exercising his constitutionally guaranteed right to media freedom without fear.
Aggrieved individuals should submit any complaints regarding the media to the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe or the Zimbabwe Media Commission for redress, rather than intimidating and threatening journalists in the course of their legitimate professional duties.
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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:
Dumisani Mawere, a journalist with Kasambabezi community radio station in Kariba
Dumisani Mawere, a journalist with Kasambabezi community radio station in Kariba
Number affected:
1
1
Perpetrators:
MarkGun Security Company
MarkGun Security Company
Types of actors:
Non-state
Non-state
Location:
Kariba
Kariba