Journalist receives summons to appear before the court
5 Dec, 2022
What happened
Journalist Hope Chizuzu is set to appear before the Magistrates Courts in Bulawayo on 9 December 2022 on charges of transmitting false data messages in contravention of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act as amended.
This follows his initial appearance on 28 November 2022 wherein the State requested the journalist to be placed on remand.
Chizuzu is being accused of transmitting false data messages intending to cause harm in contravention of Section 164C of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act as amended.
MISA Zimbabwe deployed lawyer Nqobani Sithole, who argued that the matter should proceed by way of summons as has been the case since the arrest of the journalist on 29 September 2022. This position was supported by the Magistrate, Maxwell Ncube.
On 29 November 2022, summons were then served on the lawyer, Sithole, requesting Chizuzu to appear before the court on 9 December 2022.
MISA's position
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.
Share this
Latest media violations
Those affected:
Journalist Hope Chizuzu
Journalist Hope Chizuzu
Number affected:
1
1
Perpetrators:
Police Officers
Police Officers
Types of actors:
State
State
Location:
Bulawayo
Bulawayo