The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (Zuj) has issued a strong condemnation against the rising tide of harassment, cyber attacks, and intimidation targeting journalists in Zimbabwe. This concerning trend, involving both State and non-State actors, poses a significant threat to the very foundation of the media profession, according to the union’s latest statement.
Zuj’s outcry comes in the wake of alarming incidents where journalists, including Rutendo Maraire from Sources Media and Owen Gagare of News Hawks, were subjected to threats following their investigative reports on sensitive subjects. Maraire’s coverage of controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s vehicle donations and Gagare’s exposé on corrupt practices among top military commanders have sparked a backlash that goes beyond professional criticism, venturing into dangerous territory.
“Such criminal acts, aimed at silencing and intimidating journalists from fulfilling their duty to inform the public and hold those in power accountable, are deeply troubling,” Zuj stated, unequivocally denouncing the actions against Maraire and Gagare. The union emphasized that journalists in Zimbabwe operate under the country’s laws, which support accurate and balanced reporting, adhering strictly to ethical guidelines that govern their work.
Furthermore, Zuj highlighted the contradiction between these acts of intimidation and the public commitments made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa regarding media reform. The President’s stance on promoting media freedoms and ensuring access to information, as enshrined in the country’s constitution, appears to be at odds with the experiences of journalists facing threats for their work.
In response to these incidents, Zuj has taken proactive steps by reaching out to law enforcement authorities to investigate the threats directed at Maraire. The union expressed its determination to continue working closely with the police and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard the safety and security of journalists across Zimbabwe.
“We shall persist in our efforts to engage with the police and other key players to ensure that journalists can carry out their essential role without fear of retribution or harm,” Zuj affirmed. This commitment underscores the union’s resolve to protect the rights of media professionals and to uphold the principles of freedom of expression and press freedom in Zimbabwe.
As the situation develops, the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists remains vigilant, calling for immediate action to address these threats and to foster an environment where journalists can freely report on matters of public interest without facing harassment or intimidation. The union’s stand not only reflects the immediate need to protect individual journalists but also highlights the broader imperative to defend the integrity of the media landscape in Zimbabwe against forces that seek to undermine it.
