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Bodyguard harasses journalists during Minister's tour
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An unidentified bodyguard travelling with Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora allegedly harassed journalists on Friday during the minister's tour of Beitbridge District Hospital.
The incident occurred as Mombeshora concluded a week-long working visit to health institutions in Matabeleland South province under the Second Republic's "Legacy Projects" programme. Accredited local journalists were reportedly blocked from covering the minister's inspection of the 160-bed hospital, which is in need of upgrading.
Tensions escalated during a visit to the maternity wing, where the bodyguard allegedly barred local reporters from entering while allowing selected media personnel from Harare to proceed. Witnesses said he positioned himself between the minister and journalists, obstructing photographers from taking pictures.
When questioned about the move, the bodyguard reportedly became agitated and called one journalist aside. After the reporter produced his press card and explained he was performing his duties, the bodyguard allegedly responded: "So you don't want me to do my work? I am doing my work." He did not clarify whether he was acting on specific instructions.
Observers said the bodyguard appeared restless throughout the visit, frequently moving between police officers and Ministry of Health and Child Care officials accompanying the minister. The officials reportedly did not intervene.
The incident took place during the minister's final stop in Beitbridge, where he arrived shortly after 2pm and addressed the media before touring the hospital. Beitbridge District Hospital serves a population of approximately 120,000 people and also provides medical services to thousands of travellers passing through the busy Beitbridge Border Post.
Earlier in the week, Mombeshora had visited Maphisa — this year's venue for the Uhuru celebrations — where he inspected developments at Kezi District Hospital. He also toured Plumtree Hospital in Mangwe district, which serves Bulilima, and announced government plans to construct a new district hospital in Bulilima. The minister further assessed service delivery and infrastructure challenges at Gwanda and other district hospitals across the province.
Following the Beitbridge briefing, the bodyguard reportedly called members of the minister's entourage to board their vehicles while World Health Organisation delegates were still engaging with reporters.
One journalist, who requested anonymity, described the bodyguard's conduct as "overzealous and misplaced," raising concerns about media access during official government engagements.
The incident occurred as Mombeshora concluded a week-long working visit to health institutions in Matabeleland South province under the Second Republic's "Legacy Projects" programme. Accredited local journalists were reportedly blocked from covering the minister's inspection of the 160-bed hospital, which is in need of upgrading.
Tensions escalated during a visit to the maternity wing, where the bodyguard allegedly barred local reporters from entering while allowing selected media personnel from Harare to proceed. Witnesses said he positioned himself between the minister and journalists, obstructing photographers from taking pictures.
When questioned about the move, the bodyguard reportedly became agitated and called one journalist aside. After the reporter produced his press card and explained he was performing his duties, the bodyguard allegedly responded: "So you don't want me to do my work? I am doing my work." He did not clarify whether he was acting on specific instructions.
The incident took place during the minister's final stop in Beitbridge, where he arrived shortly after 2pm and addressed the media before touring the hospital. Beitbridge District Hospital serves a population of approximately 120,000 people and also provides medical services to thousands of travellers passing through the busy Beitbridge Border Post.
Earlier in the week, Mombeshora had visited Maphisa — this year's venue for the Uhuru celebrations — where he inspected developments at Kezi District Hospital. He also toured Plumtree Hospital in Mangwe district, which serves Bulilima, and announced government plans to construct a new district hospital in Bulilima. The minister further assessed service delivery and infrastructure challenges at Gwanda and other district hospitals across the province.
Following the Beitbridge briefing, the bodyguard reportedly called members of the minister's entourage to board their vehicles while World Health Organisation delegates were still engaging with reporters.
One journalist, who requested anonymity, described the bodyguard's conduct as "overzealous and misplaced," raising concerns about media access during official government engagements.
Source - Newsday
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