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Zim arrests state journo
25/03/2007 14:03 - (SA)
Harare - A trainee journalist with state media was arrested in Zimbabwe for allegedly asking why police did not feel guilty for killing an opposition activist, it was claimed on Sunday.
The privately-owned Standard claimed 23-year-old Tapiwa Chininga was arrested last Saturday, a week after police shot and killed a Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) activist in Highfield township after an aborted prayer rally.
Chininga is reported to be a trainee with the state New Ziana news agency.
Quoting state papers, the Standard said Chininga went to a police base in Kuwadzana suburb and asked a constable there why the police were engaging in street battles with the MDC.
Chininga is also alleged to have asked why police were banning MDC rallies and why they did not feel guilty after the fatal shooting of an activist in Highfield.
The reporter is believed to be facing charges of using insulting language likely to cause a breach of the peace under the Criminal Law Act. Police have not confirmed his arrest.
The Zimbabwe authorities have a tetchy relationship with journalists from the private press who they accuse of working against the government to bring about regime change. But state-employed journalists are generally left alone.
MDC activist Gift Tandare was shot dead by police on March 11, after skirmishes broke out between police and youths following the arrest of opposition leaders trying to hold a prayer rally.
Two journalists were arrested and beaten on the same day.
The opposition is planning to hold a memorial service for Tandare some time this week, reports say.
- SAPA
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