Journalist manhandled and threatened over story
4 Mar, 2022
What happened
Chipo Gudhe editor of The Midlands Observer was on 2 March 2022 reportedly manhandled and threatened by a suspected political activist while she was in a supermarket in the Midlands town of Kwekwe.
Gudhe was allegedly threatened over a story published in their newspaper pertaining to the arrests of persons accused of inciting violence during the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change rally held on 27 February 2022 in Mbizo, Kwekwe.
She said the unidentified political activist demanded that she should stop writing stories relating to the arrested persons.
MISA's position
MISA Zimbabwe strongly condemns any forms of media violations, including threats and harassment of journalists. Journalists should be allowed to exercise their constitutional right to media freedom without fear.
This role is particularly important during this election season as the media and journalists play a key role in disseminating election related information and ensure that citizens are well informed as they exercise their political rights and their right to vote.
MISA Zimbabwe therefore urges any persons aggrieved by a story published by a media institution or journalist to approach the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe or the Zimbabwe Media Commission for relief.
About MISA
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.
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Those affected:
Journalist Chipo Gudhe
Journalist Chipo Gudhe
Number affected:
1
1
Perpetrators:
Unidentified political activist
Unidentified political activist
Types of actors:
Non-state
Non-state
Location:
Kwekwe
Kwekwe