TellZim journalist, Courage Dutiro, was reportedly assaulted by an opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) security detail on 20 March 2022 during the party’s rally at Rujeko Grounds in Zimbabwe’s southern town of Masvingo.
Dutiro had taken a picture of CCC’s Ward 4 candidate in the by-elections set for 26 March 2022, Thokozile Muchuchuti, who had reportedly collapsed during the rally, when he was allegedly slapped in the face by the security detail. Dutiro has since made a report to the police.
MISA Zimbabwe position
MISA Zimbabwe condemns any forms of violence, particularly against media practitioners and journalists undertaking their lawful work.
In that regard, political parties should allow and support unhindered media coverage of all election related events and activities including creating conducive environments for journalists to work without any hindrance.
Political parties should thus not take the law into their own hands. The police and political parties should take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of journalists during their political events.
MISA Zimbabwe therefore calls on political parties and any aggrieved parties to report their complaints against the media with the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe or the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
Source: MISA Zimbabwe
