Journalists in Masvingo Province have condemned the arrest of Mirror editor, Garikai Mafirakureva, describing the arrest as persecution.
Several journalists from media houses across Masvingo on Friday packed the courtyard at the Masvingo magistrates’ court to show solidarity with Mafirakureva.
Mafirakureva was supposed to appear in court facing a number of charges including writing falsehoods and undermining the authority of the Police.
However, the Police did not show up for the court session and later dropped the charges after being advised that their case stood no chance at law.
The journalists who numbered more than 20 were at Masvingo Magistrates Court from 8 AM until 12 PM when they were told that the charges had been dropped.
EnviroPress editor Moses Ziyambi urged the Police to be conversant with media laws and how journalists operate.
He said Mafirakureva’s arrest was unnecessary and is more worrying in view of the looming general elections. Said Ziyambi:
<blockquote>
Police know very well that falsehoods in a democracy are not criminal, but they are a civil matter.
This case is clear victimization intended to cow journalists before the Police.
</blockquote>
Former Mirror editor Nkulumani Mlambo said Mafirakureva’s arrest was calculated to muzzle the Press.
He said the Police must leave journalists to perform their duties without outside control or interference. | <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/journalists-pack-courtyard-in-solidarity-with-arrested-editor/">The Mirror</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabwean Police Drop Charges Against Newspaper Editor

Concern has been voiced by the Community Newspapers Association of Zimbabwe (CNAZ), a media organisation, on the arrest of Garikai Mafirakureva, editor of the Masvingo Mirror.
In a statement obtained by Pindula News, (CNAZ), a coalition of media organisations that publishes more than 20 local newspapers nationwide, claimed that Mafirakureva’s arrest is a drawback on media reform initiatives. CNAZ General Secretary, Owen Matava said:
<blockquote>
CNAZ is of the view that the arrest of Mafirakureva on charges of publishing falsehoods by police is in sharp contrast with government efforts to change the media laws for the betterment of the media sector.
CNAZ strongly condemns the arrest of Mafirakureva on January 19, 2023. He was arrested by the police in Masvingo allegedly for publishing falsehoods.
The story in question police says, “The story published by the Mirror taint the image of ZRP organization in general and CID Masvingo senior officers in particular as the story would make the public lose confidence in the Police“.
The Mirror published a story where a brother of a prominent Machakata businessman, Nyasha Machaya allegedly stabbed and killed a patron at the businessman bar over the weekend. Villagers who reported the matter to The Mirror expressed the fear that Police may sweep the matter under the carpet following allegations that some CID officers were very close to the family of one of the accused person Thomas Machaya.
As a newspaper publishers organization, we do not agree that journalists should be arrested simply because other people think that their words would have a negative impact on the police, without proof of such negative impact.
In a democracy, where every individual possesses the right to exercise the freedom of speech and expression, it is unjustifiable that such stringent laws are being used as tools against journalists, who have been accorded the role of playing watchdog against the misuse of the institutions of the state.
CNAZ urges Police in Masvingo to withdraw the case immediately. The use of such stringent laws being used as tools against journalists who are considered the fourth pillar of democracy must be stopped. The continued use of such laws flies in the face of a government claiming to have made some media reforms.
We stand firmly with Mafirakureva who is expected to appear in court today in Masvingo.
</blockquote>
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