The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reiterated that journalists provide an essential service during this COVID-19 crisis and should, therefore, be assisted to conduct their work.
In a statement on Thursday, police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police commanders in all provinces have been notified of the force’s position regarding journalism. The statement read:
The ZRP reiterates that journalists provide essential services and should be assisted to conduct their work. This message has been passed to Police Commanders in all provinces.
In Harare, journalists should contact Harare Operations on the contact number (0242)748836 for immediate assistance or PGHQ National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp number 0712800197.
Meanwhile, ZimLive editor Mduduzi Mathuthu has gone into hiding after police late on Thursday swooped on his home in Bulawayo, with a search and seizure warrant.
Mathuthu is being accused of keeping and manufacturing subversive materials and inducing Zimbabweans to engage in public violence on July 31.
On Saturday last week, NewsDay senior reporter and HStv head news and current affairs Blessed Mhlanga was arrested alongside Ruvimbo Nyikadzino of Sly Media at a police roadblock and charged with miscellaneous misdemeanour.
Mhlanga was only released after the intervention of Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.