Journalists attacked by ruling party supporters in Zimbabwe

GOKWE, Zimbabwe

Four Zimbabwean journalists were attacked and injured by suspected Zanu-PF supporters as they filmed a ruling party convoy that was speeding in pursuit of opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s motorcade.

Chamisa was scheduled to address supporters Thursday in the Chitekete area of Gokwe in Midlands Province.

Witnesses said Zanu-PF vehicles attempted to block the president of Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change, from entering Chitekete.

No arrests were made following the attack on the journalists.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) denounced the attack.

“Zimbabwean authorities should investigate the brutal assault of four journalists working for private media outlets, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure that party supporters do not attack members of the press covering political rallies,” it said.

The Director of the Media Institute of Southern Africa in Zimbabwe, Tabani Moyo, also castigated the crackdown on journalists.

“These wanton and violent assaults of journalists conducting their lawful professional duties are now of very serious concern as they pose serious risks to their safety and security. This cannot be allowed to continue with impunity and without the perpetrators being brought to book. We therefore implore the police and other relevant authorities, including the Zimbabwe Media Commission, to thoroughly investigate these serious crimes against journalists,” Moyo told Anadolu Agency.

Following the attack by 10 suspected Zanu-PF supporters who donned ruling party regalia and punched and kicked the journalists, the reporters were ordered to delete photos and videos before their equipment was seized.

Zanu-PF Information Director Tafadzwa Mugwadi could not be reached for comment as his mobile phone went unanswered.

Zimbabwe’s human rights record has been in the spotlight recently.

Two opposition leaders, Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole, arrested on charges of inciting public violence, remain in jail more than two months after they were arrested.

And 13 opposition supporters who were arrested following protests that flared after the murder of activist Moreblessing Ali by a suspected Zanu-PF supporter, remain in jail.

Ali’s remains were found cut into pieces and tossed in a disused well near the home of the Zanu-PF supporter in Chitungwiza, 25 kilometers (16 miles) southeast of Harare, the nation's capital.

Zimbabwe has become known for political violence ahead of elections.

The country will hold elections in 2023, the second after the departure of former President Robert Mugabe from the political scene following 37 years in power.

Mugabe was removed in a military coup in 2017 before he died in 2019.​​​​​​​