zimbabwe: Daily News Reporters Charged
The police in Harare charged six journalists from the Daily News and The Daily News on Sunday on 1 October for practising without accreditation from the Media and Information Commission (MIC). The six journalists are Philemon Bulawayo, Margaret Chinowaita, Kelvin Jakachira, Sydney Saize, George Muzimba and Lawrence Chikuvira.
Media Alert
1 October 2003
Daily News Reporters Charged
The police in Harare charged six journalists from the Daily News and The Daily News on Sunday on 1 October for practising without accreditation from the Media and Information Commission (MIC).
The six journalists are Philemon Bulawayo, Margaret Chinowaita, Kelvin Jakachira, Sydney Saize, George Muzimba and Lawrence Chikuvira.
The six brought to 15 the number of journalists from the Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe who have been charged for breaching the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).
The Act reads (1) No person shall carry on or a mass media service without a valid registration license or permit issued in terms of this Act or any other law.
The other nine charged for the same offence the previous week are Luke Tamborinyoka, Pedzisai Ruhanya, Fanuel Jongwe, Precious Shumba, Chengetai Zvauya, Conelias Mabasa, Conway Tutani, Gladwin Muparutsa and Darlington Makoni and Francis Mdlongwa.
Police recorded warned and cautioned statements from the six journalists before releasing them. The police say they will proceeed by way of summons. Police spokesperson Assistant police Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena said they intend to charge all 45 journalists employed by the two sister papers that were closed down for not registering with AIPPA on 12 September 2003.
Update.
END
Rashweat Mukundu
Research and Information Officer
MISA-Zimbabwe
84 McChlery Ave
Eastlea
Box HR 8113
Harare
Zimbabwe
Phone 00 263 4 7761 65
Mobile 00 263 11 602 685
E mail [email protected]