Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalists Chengeto Chidi and Blessed Mhlanga are suing the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, and Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga for alleged unlawful arrest and detention.
Chidi and Mhlanga were arrested in May this year while covering a by-election in Chitungwiza.
Police officers accused the duo of using mobile phones and a canon camera to take photographs and record a video without permission from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
The incident occurred near the ward 7 polling station tent in Zengeza West, Chitungwiza.
Chidi and Mhlanga were charged with contravening section 25(a) of the Electoral Act which prohibits taking photographs at a polling station but were both found not guilty.
They have now filed a US$50 000 lawsuit against the State for unlawful arrest and detention.
Last week the two, through their lawyers submitted an intention to sue notice in terms of the State Liabilities Act as read with section 70 of the Police Act. Their lawyers wrote:
<blockquote>
We write to give you notice of our client’s intention to sue you and various police officers employed by the State for damages arising from unlawful arrest, wrongful detention, malicious prosecution, loss of income, and self-development opportunities and expenses incurred arising out of the arrest and prosecution including but not limited to medical expenses, travelling expenses, and legal expenses.
</blockquote>
In response, police legal services director Inspector T Gotora acknowledged receipt of their notice. Said Gotora:
<blockquote>
Investigations into the allegations raised therein are being instituted. The Civil Division of the Attorney-General’s office will communicate our attitude towards your notice shortly.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/amh-journalists-sue-government-over-unlawful-arrest-and-detention/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Pindula News

Two AMH Journalists Sue Govt Over Unlawful Arrest And Detention

MISA Zimbabwe has condemned the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/seven-journalists-chased-out-of-state-house/">ejection of seven journalists from the State House</a> where President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed a Tribunal to inquire into the removal from office of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission’s Spokesperson John Makamure.
The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana had earlier shared the details of this event on his personal Twitter page and indicated that “Media is invited”.
However, upon arriving at the State House and undergoing all the required procedures, it is reported that one of the security officers then asked for press cards. 
Resultantly, Alpha Media Holdings journalists Taurai Mangudhla, Shepherd Tozvireva, Blessed Mhlanga and Chengeto Chidi, Daily News reporter Katty Nyoni and Heart and Soul TV journalists Zibusiso Ncube and Atricia Gondo were then kicked out. 
The journalists highlighted that the security officer indicated that there were specific media houses that were welcome at this event. Journalists from state media representing ZTN, ZBC and The Herald were allowed to remain and cover the event.
In a statement seen by Pindula news, MISA Zimbabwe said all journalists should be afforded fair and equal opportunities to access information. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>MISA’s position</h2>
MISA Zimbabwe condemns this continuation of discrimination against private media. All media practitioners, whether from state or private media, have a constitutional right to seek, receive and impart information as part of their media freedom.
The Constitution is very clear in Section 44 that the State and every person, including juristic persons and every institution and agency of the government at every level, must respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights and freedoms set out in the Constitution.
There is, therefore no lawful, reasonable or justifiable basis for the discrimination of journalists from private media and the infringement to the realisation of their constitutional rights.
MISA Zimbabwe calls on all stakeholders within government, including the Zimbabwe Media Commission and the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services to undertake key and practical steps towards addressing this recurring media violation.
All journalists should be afforded fair and equal opportunities to access information.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

MISA Zimbabwe Condemns Ejection Of 7 Journalists From State House Event

State security officers Monday chased out seven journalists from State House where President Emmerson Mnangagwa was swearing in <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/president-mnangagwa-sets-commission-to-investigate-zacc-spokesperson/">a three-member tribunal</a> to <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zacc-spokesperson-faces-expulsion-over-corruption-allegations/">investigate the removal from office</a> of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) spokesperson John Makamure.
NewsDay chief reporter Taurai Mangudhla, photographer Shepherd Tozvireva, Heart and Soul head of current affairs and news Blessed Mhlanga and reporters Chengeto Chidi, Zibusiso Ncube and Atrishya Gondo were booted out by one of the security personnel without giving reasons.
Daily News reporter Katty Nyoni was also ejected.
This happened soon after the journalists had gone through the routine security clearance process plus COVID-19 tests at the State House clinic, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002134/amh-journos-kicked-out-of-state-house-function">NewsDay</a>.
Meanwhile, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere has criticised the ejection of journalists from a public event. She said:
<blockquote>
What kind of “government” chases journalists away from a national event paid for by taxpayers? It’s unconstitutional. You can’t only allow journalists you like and control. Media freedom is impossible under this regime. We need new leaders.
</blockquote>
AMH is owned by Trevor Ncube, a former member of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Presidential_Advisory_Council_2019">Presidential Advisory Council (PAC).</a> He <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-zimbabwe-worse-under-mnangagwa-than-during-mugabe-era-trevor-ncube/">left PAC early this year</a> citing a lot of issues bordering on President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa">Mnangagwa</a>‘s failure to transform the country’s fortunes. 
This ejection of the reporters comes amid calls for the implementation of media reforms to ensure the freedom of journalists and media houses.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

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