The journalists were taking photographs of a violent incident between a pastor and a congregant when several youths assaulted them.
(MISA/IFEX) – Munyaradzi Doma and a person by the name of Tawanda, two journalists with the Harare-based daily tabloid “H-Metro”, were reportedly assaulted by youth members of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) on 14 November 2010 in Harare’s township of Mbare.
The two journalists were assaulted while taking photographs of an incident during which a church pastor was attacked by a church member who accused the pastor of “destroying his home.”
The church service was halted for almost an hour as elders rushed to protect the pastor and restrain the youths from assaulting the journalists.
The “H-Metro” reporters were rescued by the church elders, who escorted them to their vehicle as the youths continued to threaten them.
MISA-Zimbabwe is greatly concerned by the continued attacks on journalists while they are conducting their lawful professional duties. These attacks should be condemned by the authorities and the perpetrators of such wanton acts of lawlessness and violence should be made to face the wrath of the law.
The assault on the journalists was also condemned by the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists.