Media Safety Threatened Ahead Of 2023 Polls

Media safety during the pre-election period continues to be a concern as yet another journalist is attacked.

The safety of journalists has been threatened as the 2023 general elections draw closer.

Unfortunately, perpetrators that attack members of the media are yet to be apprehended.

According to a statement issued by the Media Institute of Southern Africa, journalist Godwin Mangudya was assaulted whilst covering the ZanuPF Central Committee Elections.

“Zimbabwean senior journalist Godwin Mangudya was on 8 October 2022 reportedly assaulted by members of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and ruling ZANU PF activists in the Harare suburb of Kuwadzana while covering the party’s Central Committee elections,” read the statement.

ZanuPF held Central Committee Elections across the country in preparation for the party’s congress scheduled for the end of the month.

Mangudya becomes the latest victim to assault after a News Hawk reporter and member of the Young Journalists Association  (YOJA) Ruvimbo Mildred Muchenje at the Citizen Coalition For Change rally held in Chinhoyi.

Late last month, four journalists from TechZim were attacked by alleged ZanuPF supporters whilst before covering a CCC rally in Gokwe West. 

The journalists are said to have been attacked for taking pictures and videos of ZanuPF vehicles blocking a shopping area.

MISA Zimbabwe

In the same statement,  the media watchdog raised worry over the continued attack of media practitioners ahead of the elections.

“MISA Zimbabwe notes with very great concern the continued perpetration of violence against journalists by political party activists, security personnel, and members of the national security.

“… we are now very worried by this upsurge in the number of criminal attacks against journalists as Zimbabwe moves towards its elections next year.

“The role of journalists in covering political parties’ activities is to allow the public to access reliable information and make informed decisions and choices,” read the statement.

Additionally, Misa expressed dismay over the increasing number of media practitioners attacked during the course of executing their duties.

Furthermore, the media watchdog maintains that the role of journalists is crucial in keeping the public informed.

“The role of journalists in covering political parties’ activities is to allow the public to access reliable information and make informed decisions and choices,” MISA said.
Regards