Journalist threatened over story
24 Nov, 2023
What happened
Rutendo Maraire, a journalist with Sources Media News Agency has filed a report with the Harare Central Police Station under case number IR 111 755 after she was allegedly verbally threatened over a story her media house published online.
According to Maraire, she was allegedly threatened by Simon Dzete and his lawyer on 21 November 2023 over a story her colleague wrote about the businessman that was recently published on their website titled: Is Dzete abusing Tagwirei’s associates?
She said she was making a follow-up on the story and Dzete’s lawyer answered her call with a tirade of insults. Dzete later proceeded to send her insults and threats via WhatsApp saying he would make her life very difficult.
The news agency has since been served with a letter of demand by Dzete lawyers stating that the article has defamatory statements. They have been given five days to do a retraction of the story and a statement of regret.
MISA's position
MISA Zimbabwe urges any aggrieved parties or individuals to file complaints against the media with the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe or the Zimbabwe Media Commission for redress as opposed to issuing threats against journalists.
Threats against the media instil fear and self-censorship which undermines the right to freedom of the media as provided by Section 61 of the Constitution.
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:
Rutendo Maraire, a journalist with Sources Media News Agency
Rutendo Maraire, a journalist with Sources Media News Agency
Number affected:
1
1
Perpetrators:
Simon Dzete and his lawyer
Simon Dzete and his lawyer
Types of actors:
Non-state
Non-state
Location:
Harare
Harare