SOLDIERS, CIO HARASS JOURNALIST AT DEFENSE FORCES DAY

Centre News Reporter

Suspected military intelligence and Central Intelligence Officers (CIO) harassed a local freelance journalist, Trust Rukwava before barring him from carrying out his duties while covering Defense Forces day celebrations at Mucheke stadium Tuesday.

The security personnel allegedly stopped him from taking photos while the Provincial Affairs Minister, Ezra Chadzamira was going to the podium to give his address as the guest of honour, despite producing a valid Zimbabwe Media Commission accreditation card.

Rukwava was left heavily traumatized and scared after he was shoved and interrogated by the security officers who were clad in dark glasses and suits.

“I am still in shock, they came to me and asked why I was taking pictures and I produced my accreditation card but they instructed me to stop. The asked me several questions including were I worked for and I told them I am a freelancer but they demanded my details and took a picture of my accreditation card and told me to leave,” said Rukwava.

He added that he was now scared that they would stalk him since they took down his contact details.

Masvingo Media Centre, Board member, Godfrey Mtimba condemned the harassment of Rukwava.

“We condemn in  the strongest terms the violations of media workers rights in the line of their work, Intimidation and harassment of journalists  by any individual or institutions has not space in our country, we urge  media stakeholders to respect  journalists and allow them to do their work  to inform and educate the nation,” said Mtimba.

Harassment and intimidation of Journalists by security apparatus, in the line of their duty have been on the increase across the country.

Efforts to get a comment from Zimbabwe Defense Forces spokesperson Colonel Teddy Ndlovu were fruitless.