- Media organisations call for police to intervene
Pretty Manyewe
It is becoming routine that whenever opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change convenes an event, journalists are harassed.
The latest victim of the thuggish political organisation`s violence is youthful Newshawks journalist, Ruvimbo Muchenje.
She was manhandled and subjected to inhumane treatment by Nelson Chamisa`s security at a rally held in Chinhoyi over the weekend.
A description of what Muchenje makes for a painful reading as she was grabbed by her hair, dragged and thrown to the ground.
She was made to roll on the ground, leaving her dress torn.
Media organisations have condemned the opposition party for the untoward behaviour, which now appears routine.
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) described the CCC behaviour as concerning.
ZUJ Secretary Perfect Hlongwane said heads should roll.
“We would like to make a clear call to the police to look into this matter and make sure those behind the assault are arrested. The increase in the number of our members who are being harassed at political gatherings by different Political parties is worrying and should not be condoned,” said Hlongwane.Hlongwane went on to urge all political parties especially CCC, to control their supporters and security from harassing journalists as we draw closer to the 2023 elections.
“As we are drawing closer to the general elections, we shudder to think what 2023 will look like if journalists are treated this way. We need to deal with this now and bring an end to attacks and harassment of journalists.
We call on political parties to control their supporters to refrain from harassing and attacking journalists. ZUJ would like to make it clear that journalism is not a crime and all journalists in the country should be allowed to carry out their journalistic duties without any encumbrance,” said Hlongwane.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa also condemned the CCC, for its shameful behaviour.
“This year has witnessed an upsurge in the number of attacks against journalists and this is considerably worrying as the country moves towards elections next year. The role of journalists in covering rallies is to allow the public to receive reliable information and this should not be underestimated,” a statement said.
The Young Journalists Association, at which Muchenje is seeking to become Secretary General said a police report will be made.
“YOJA will soon engage the CCC and make a police report against these misguided elements,” YOJA outgoing SG Phil Jambaya said.
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