'Econet, Steward Bank seizure court order violates freedom of expression'

ZIMBABWE business news agency, The Source, yesterday challenged a High Court order granted to Zimbabwe mobile phone operator Econet Wireless and Steward Bank to have the publication withdraw some of the stories it published on its site citing violation of the fundamental right of freedom of expression as enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution.

According to Newsday, Econet and its banking unit, Steward Bank, obtained an order on Monday this week to have stories originated by Bernard Mpofu and published by The Source withdrawn and conduct a search and seize operation at the agency.

But the news agency through its lawyers argues that the search and seizure order violates the fundamental right of freedom of expression as enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution.

Mhike said the search and seizure raised some serious questions on the freedom of expression by the media.

However, Justice Musakwa reserved judgment on the application after hearing both submissions.