ZUJ condemns death threats on NewsDay reporter

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has castigated death threats made to Newsday reporter Winston Antonio by Rockland College's Principal director McDonald Makondesa.

Antonio was threatened with death for seeking comment from Makondesa on allegations that the Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) has withheld the school's Geography "O" Level results following suspicion that the paper leaked.

Makondese is reported to have threatened to kill Antonio after being approached to comment on the allegations.

"Are you a member of CIO or a police officer to question me about such issues? I will kill you and rot in prison if you want to play with me," said Makondese.

The Union's Secretary General, Foster Dongozi, condemned the death threat made to Antonio describing the behaviour as wayward and barbaric. He said ZUJ takes great exception to having its members threatened and reiterated the need for the public to respect the work of journalists.

"We are concerned by the barbaric and wayward behaviour of Mr Makondesa, and we take great exception to having members threatened by hooligans and unprofessional people.

We are taking this as a serious matter, and a report to the police will be made.