Journalist alleges assault during Chivayo funeral coverage

HARARE - TechMagTV editor-in-chief Toneo Toneo has alleged that he was assaulted by security personnel while covering funeral proceedings for the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

In a public statement released on Thursday, Toneo claimed the incident occurred on October 8 during media coverage at the Chivayo family residence and later along Gletwin Road while following the funeral procession.

According to Toneo, he and his crew had arrived at the residence to cover funeral-related activities when a disagreement arose over media accreditation and access.

He alleged that after requesting a programme update from family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo, arrangements were made for a press briefing involving journalists from various media organisations.

However, Toneo claimed he was subsequently confronted by a man identified as "G6", whom he described as a brother of the late businessman, and was instructed to stop recording and discontinue his coverage.

The journalist said he then raised the matter with Herbert Chivayo, whom he alleged insisted that media operations should proceed and that journalists should not be prevented from carrying out their work.

Toneo further alleged that later in the day, while returning from a funeral parlour with the convoy transporting the bodies, a vehicle carrying security personnel blocked his path before three men allegedly assaulted him.

He claimed to have suffered injuries including loosened teeth, a swollen eye and jaw pain.

The journalist said he has since filed a police report at Highlands Police Station under reference number RRB 6847154 and intends to pursue the matter through legal channels.

"This is now an assault and criminal matter that we are pursuing, and my legal counsel will be assisting me," Toneo said.

In his statement, he condemned violence against journalists and called for a thorough investigation.

"Journalism is not a crime, and no journalist should be physically attacked or intimidated for documenting events and reporting matters of public interest," he said.

The allegations have generated debate on social media, with some users questioning whether journalists required explicit clearance to cover activities taking place at a private residence, while others argued that members of the media should be protected while carrying out their professional duties.

At the time of publication, the individuals named in the statement had not publicly responded to the allegations.

The claims remain allegations by Toneo and have not been independently verified.