ZUJ commends Masvingo journalists for refusing to be bullied by MDC Alliance Councillor

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, would like to commend journalists in Masvingo for refusing to be bullied by Movement for Democratic Change Alliance, MDCA, councillor Godfrey Kurauone.

Clr Kurauone is reported to have exhibited violent tendencies and intolerance by snatching the mobile phone of NewsDay award winning journalist, Tatenda Chitagu while he was filming the mayhem that flared up during elections for Masvingo mayor on Wednesday, 5 September.

The journalist, with the support of colleagues who attended the event turned the tables against Kurauone and a few hoodlums who were threatening the safety and security of journalists and recovered the mobile phone.

ZUJ First Vice President, Godfrey Mtimba said: "We condemn the barbaric act by the MDC Alliance councillor and his thugs. We urge their party to call them to order. Such attacks on press freedom and independent media are unacceptable."

He said journalists would refuse to be bullied by any individuals, political parties and other institutions.

The solidarity displayed in Masvingo comes after Public Media journalists in Manicaland walked out in solidarity with their Private Media colleagues after the private media journalists had been ordered out of a public event by Zanu PF official, Mike Madiro earlier this year.