Police Question Zimbabwe Journalist Over Six-Year-Old Case.
Alpha Media Holdings reporter Blessed Mhlanga faced police questioning Monday at Harare Central Police Station about a 2018 assault case.
The law and order section summoned Mhlanga, who arrived with legal counsel Chris Mhike from Misa Zimbabwe. Police sought updates on his past case against former deputy Finance minister Terrence Mukupe.
"We found it astonishing," Mhike said. "After delays, officers said they wanted details about Mhlanga's old case against Mukupe."
The case began in May 2018 when Mukupe allegedly attacked Mhlanga during a live debate and took his wife's phone. Both criminal and civil charges followed. The civil matter ended in June 2018, with criminal proceedings settled months later.
"Police knew of the case ending six years ago," Mhike said. "No valid reason exists to summon a journalist about a closed matter. This action harasses the press."
Mhike urged officials to stop interfering with news reporting. The sudden interest in a resolved case has raised fresh concerns about press freedom in Zimbabwe.
Alpha Media Holdings reporter Blessed Mhlanga faced police questioning Monday at Harare Central Police Station about a 2018 assault case.
The law and order section summoned Mhlanga, who arrived with legal counsel Chris Mhike from Misa Zimbabwe. Police sought updates on his past case against former deputy Finance minister Terrence Mukupe.
"We found it astonishing," Mhike said. "After delays, officers said they wanted details about Mhlanga's old case against Mukupe."
The case began in May 2018 when Mukupe allegedly attacked Mhlanga during a live debate and took his wife's phone. Both criminal and civil charges followed. The civil matter ended in June 2018, with criminal proceedings settled months later.
"Police knew of the case ending six years ago," Mhike said. "No valid reason exists to summon a journalist about a closed matter. This action harasses the press."
Mhike urged officials to stop interfering with news reporting. The sudden interest in a resolved case has raised fresh concerns about press freedom in Zimbabwe.
