News / National
Attacks on journalists escalate
03 Feb 2014 at 16:43hrs | Views
The attack on the freedom of journalists continues to rise in Zimbabwe following the arrest and detention of Gweru based scribe, Brenna Mutendere for allegedly defaming the police.
Mutendere who is also a Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) national executive member on Saturday appeared before a Gweru magistrate facing charges of criminally defaming two officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
He was not asked to plead and was remanded out of custody to February 25 on $50 bail.
Meanwhile, ZUJ reports that journalist Simba Muparaganda from Manicaland had a break-in at his house.
Muparaganda lost tools of his trade which include a laptop and a recorder and other valuables.
Last month, ZUJ condemned the attack on Daily News Masvingo correspondent, Godfrey Mutimba by Zanu-PF supporters.
Mutimba also a member of the Zuj national executive said he had gone to cover a US Public Affairs event and was beaten up by the activists who tried to prevent him from taking photographs.
Former ZUJ secretary general Brian Mangwende was also attacked by unknown assilants outside his Harare home.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister, Abednico Ncube in the same month threatened to beat up, Southern Eye journalist, Albert Ncube.
Zuj secretary general, Foster Dongozi recently said the organisation was worried about the intolerance towards journalists and media workers.
"We have also had attacks on The Chronicle offices to physical attacks on journalists on Mutimba and Mangwende, including threats against Albert Ncube.
"We call on responsible authorities to ensure that such lawlessness against journalists is nipped in the bud," Dongozi said.
Mutendere who is also a Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) national executive member on Saturday appeared before a Gweru magistrate facing charges of criminally defaming two officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
He was not asked to plead and was remanded out of custody to February 25 on $50 bail.
Meanwhile, ZUJ reports that journalist Simba Muparaganda from Manicaland had a break-in at his house.
Muparaganda lost tools of his trade which include a laptop and a recorder and other valuables.
Last month, ZUJ condemned the attack on Daily News Masvingo correspondent, Godfrey Mutimba by Zanu-PF supporters.
Mutimba also a member of the Zuj national executive said he had gone to cover a US Public Affairs event and was beaten up by the activists who tried to prevent him from taking photographs.
Former ZUJ secretary general Brian Mangwende was also attacked by unknown assilants outside his Harare home.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister, Abednico Ncube in the same month threatened to beat up, Southern Eye journalist, Albert Ncube.
Zuj secretary general, Foster Dongozi recently said the organisation was worried about the intolerance towards journalists and media workers.
"We have also had attacks on The Chronicle offices to physical attacks on journalists on Mutimba and Mangwende, including threats against Albert Ncube.
"We call on responsible authorities to ensure that such lawlessness against journalists is nipped in the bud," Dongozi said.
Source - Byo24News
