Related Articles
|
21 April 2008
By Never Kadungure
The President of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) Matthew Takaona was brutally attacked Thursday night by individuals wearing army uniforms.
The former Herald journalist was also robbed of a substantial amount of money. Details of the incident are still sketchy. Another journalist Stanley Karombo is reported to have been abducted in a separate incident.
Only last week freelance journalist Frank Chikowore was arrested for covering the stayaway called for by the MDC to press for a release of presidential election results. Police picked him up as he filmed a burning bus in one of the volatile Harare suburbs.
It's the attack on Takaona however that will send alarm bells ringing in the media fraternity. As ZUJ President Takaona held regular meetings with government officials over the repressive regulatory environment journalists operate in.
How someone so high profile could be targetted remains a curious occurence. Ever since Zanu PF and Mugabe's shock defeat to the MDC in the March 29 harmonized election, soldiers and militia's wearing army combat gear have been beating up perceived opposition supporters.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) called on the government of Zimbabwe to end the harassment of media workers.
"We are very worried about the worsening conditions journalists face in Zimbabwe," said Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ Africa office. "We condemn the attack on Matthew and call on the government to conduct investigations into this attack and the reported abduction of Stanley."- never@nehandaradio.com
Join the debate on this article in our forums today and share your views.
Nehanda Radio: Zimbabwe's first 24 hour internet radio news channel.