Police slammed for journalists arrest

The arrest of two Sunday Mail reporters and an editor has been widely condemned as a gross violation of basic constitutional rights.

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) and other legal think-tanks have questioned the police's move to arrest instead of using the reportage as a lead to investigate the cyanide poisoning that has killed scores of elephants at Hwange National Park.

Sunday Mail Editor, Mabasa Sasa and his two reporters, Brian Chitemba and Tinashe Farawo were arrested by the police over an article published in the weekly and charged for peddling falsehoods.

Police were incensed by revelations that a senior assistant police commissioner is alleged to be involved in the poaching ring which has killed elephants at Hwange National Park through cyanide poisoning.

Police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said the journalists must reveal the source of their information.

While the police are using the pretext of 'national duty' to compel the Sunday Mail scribes to reveal their sources, section 61 clause 2 of the constitution of Zimbabwe is elaborate that, every person is entitled to freedom of the media, which freedom includes protection of confidentiality of journalist's sources of information.

ZUJ Chairperson, Foster Dongozi condemned the arrests, questioning whether the police are genuinely interested in arresting the poachers.

He added that journalists are being victimised for revealing societal ills that are militating against the country's development.

The three journalists are expected to appear in court on Wednesday.