Police and press groups in Zimbabwe just promised to work better together. The Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists met recently to discuss how they can protect reporters and support free media throughout the country. Their talk happened after the police force appointed Stephen Mutamba as the new Commissioner-General. Leaders from both organizations focused on making their partnership stronger and solving problems that journalists face daily.
Perfect Hlongwane, who runs ZUJ as Secretary-General, led the journalist team during these discussions. He called their meeting a big step forward for maintaining good relationships between cops and news workers. He mentioned that back in 2017, they created an action plan that really changed things. That plan helped cut down on reporter harassment, especially during election periods. Both groups want every officer and journalist to understand clearly what jobs they should do in their democracy.
Everyone agreed reporters and police need to keep talking regularly. They suggested bringing fresh journalism graduates together with new police trainees for regular meetups, which could build respect between both groups right from the start of their careers. They also talked about stopping online bullying of journalists, with special attention to female reporters, who often face worse harassment. The groups emphasized that ethical reporting matters greatly in fighting false information that spreads through unofficial social media channels.
Both organizations plan to build public confidence by working on projects together. For example, they might run campaigns against drug abuse and other community problems. Hlongwane believes this teamwork will show everyone how journalists and police both serve important roles in keeping the public informed and safe. The two groups also promised to handle any disagreements between them privately whenever possible. Free press remains essential for democracy, and this renewed friendship between police and journalists marks real progress toward creating safer workplaces for everyone involved.
Perfect Hlongwane, who runs ZUJ as Secretary-General, led the journalist team during these discussions. He called their meeting a big step forward for maintaining good relationships between cops and news workers. He mentioned that back in 2017, they created an action plan that really changed things. That plan helped cut down on reporter harassment, especially during election periods. Both groups want every officer and journalist to understand clearly what jobs they should do in their democracy.
Everyone agreed reporters and police need to keep talking regularly. They suggested bringing fresh journalism graduates together with new police trainees for regular meetups, which could build respect between both groups right from the start of their careers. They also talked about stopping online bullying of journalists, with special attention to female reporters, who often face worse harassment. The groups emphasized that ethical reporting matters greatly in fighting false information that spreads through unofficial social media channels.
Both organizations plan to build public confidence by working on projects together. For example, they might run campaigns against drug abuse and other community problems. Hlongwane believes this teamwork will show everyone how journalists and police both serve important roles in keeping the public informed and safe. The two groups also promised to handle any disagreements between them privately whenever possible. Free press remains essential for democracy, and this renewed friendship between police and journalists marks real progress toward creating safer workplaces for everyone involved.
