The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) has expressed serious concern over the continued harassment and intimidation of Journalists and media workers by security forces.
This follows escalating arrests, assaults, intimidation and harassment of journalists by police, while in the line of duty. The latest episode concerns the arrest of Bulawayo based freelance photojournalist, Crispen Ndlovu, while covering a demonstration that had been cleared.
The VMCZ is mindful of the prevailing unrest in the country and the role the security forces have to play in maintaining law and order in the country.
However, the VMCZ reminds the police of the constitutional rights of journalists in carrying their duties to inform the public of developments in the country and therefore urges police and all members of society to allow journalists to freely execute their duties without hindrance.
Ndlovu’s arrest comes against the background of previous similar incidents against journalists in the last few months. These include the assault of freelance journalist Lucy Yasini while covering demonstrations in Harare. several journalists, including Albert Masaka, Obey Manayiti, Robert Tapfumaneyi and Paidamoyo Muzulu were also either assaulted or detained by the police while on assignment.
Freelance journalist James Jemwa is still in police detention after he was arrested last week in Harare while covering a demonstration.
The VMCZ emphasises that journalists have a constitutional right to a safe and secure working environment and strongly condemns any acts that hinder or interfere with their constitutional mandate to inform the public.
These attacks, particularly on journalists who will be lawfully conducting their business, is a serious threat to the profession, safety and security of journalists and has implications on the media’s capacity to inform the citizenry.
VMCZ takes this opportunity to urge the police to protect members of the media and not use heavy handed techniques against members of the press.
In addition, VMCZ strongly believes in an ethical, accountable and professional media and these three important tenets cannot be achieved if media continue to operate under threat and constant fear from law enforcement agents.
The VMCZ urges the police to engage with media houses and media organisations to find a lasting solution on how members of the media covering volatile situations can be protected by the police and law enforcement agents.
The VMCZ firmly believes that while the police have a role to protect the public they also have a role to especially protect defenceless members of the press, whose sole mandate is to inform all in society.
