Business / Companies
Econet Wireless clamps down on Zimbabwe media freedom?
26 Mar 2015 at 15:34hrs | Views
ZIMBABWE business news agency, The Source, was raided this afternoon by the Deputy sheriff's department following a High Court order granted to Zimbabwe mobile phone operator Econet Wireless and Steward Bank to have the online publication withdraw stories that it published about the mobile operator and Steward Bank.
The Deputy Sheriff early Thursday swooped on the news over a story that involves telecommunications giant, Econet Wireless.
The raid on the Reuters news agency affiliate relates to two published stories in which Econet allegedly extended a $30 million loan to the government and the other on flamboyant businessman Philip Chiyangwa paying a debt he owed to Econet Steward Bank via stands.
Reports said attempts by The Source to have the matter referred to the Constitutional Court failed Wednesday after a High Court could not grant them their wish.
Lawyer Chris Mhike confirmed that an urgent chamber application had been made and was heard by Justice Joseph Musakwa.
Mhike reportedly said the raid on The Source raised serious questions on the freedom of expression.
The global telecommunications group, Econet Wireless was founded by Strive Masiyiwa who is the current Executive Chairman. Masiyiwa remains one of Africa's most respected businessmen and one of the world's most respected entrepreneurs of African origin. Masiyiwa's current net worth is estimated at $280 million.
The Deputy Sheriff early Thursday swooped on the news over a story that involves telecommunications giant, Econet Wireless.
The raid on the Reuters news agency affiliate relates to two published stories in which Econet allegedly extended a $30 million loan to the government and the other on flamboyant businessman Philip Chiyangwa paying a debt he owed to Econet Steward Bank via stands.
Lawyer Chris Mhike confirmed that an urgent chamber application had been made and was heard by Justice Joseph Musakwa.
Mhike reportedly said the raid on The Source raised serious questions on the freedom of expression.
The global telecommunications group, Econet Wireless was founded by Strive Masiyiwa who is the current Executive Chairman. Masiyiwa remains one of Africa's most respected businessmen and one of the world's most respected entrepreneurs of African origin. Masiyiwa's current net worth is estimated at $280 million.
Source - online
