KEY POINTS
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- Tawanda Majoni was summoned to the police over a social media post.
- Majoni denied all accusations of inciting rebellion against the government.
- IDT suspects external influences targeting investigative journalists.
Tuesday saw the release of Tawanda Majoni, a well-known investigative journalist, without any charges following his summons by the police for his job.
Tawanda Majoni was summoned by police, released without charges
Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department’s Law and Order department called Majoni, the director of the Information for Development Trust (IDT) and a writer for The Standard, to the Harare Central Police Station on Monday. IDT released a statement saying that no charges were brought against him.
Regarding a post made by IDT on X (previously Twitter) on May 3, 2024, the police requested more information. The article discussed the World Press Freedom Day celebrations that Bulawayo hosted earlier in the year. IDT is a nonprofit group that assists reporters looking into corruption in Zimbabwe and southern Africa.
Police reportedly asked Majoni if, during his speech had said anything that would have encouraged Zimbabweans to overthrow the government.
Majoni refuted these accusations, stating that he never encouraged rebellion in any way when giving his speech or at any other time. “He restated his nonpartisan position and clarified that he is unable to engage in civil disobedience or action because he works as a journalist, Newsday reported.”
Majoni was freed without being charged after providing a written statement that summarised his reaction. IDT did, however, express worries about outside factors that might have an impact on policy decisions ultimately.
IDT raises concerns over potential influence on the investigation
IDT said in a statement, “We are troubled by what seems to be attempts by some to influence security forces to target investigative journalists like Majoni, even though we appreciate the professionalism shown by the senior detectives.”
The group continued, “This undermines access to reliable information and media freedom.” IDT further noted that a printout of an outdated internet photo of Majoni with text written in Chinese was included in the complaint that was given to the police.
