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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned journalists to be extra cautious, and ensure objective reporting when executing their duties during mass gatherings ahead of the crunch 2023 general elections.
Speaking during an engagement meeting last week, National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said journalists should work with police officers and distance themselves from being entangled with politicians for their safety.
“We appeal to journalists to identify themselves to ground commanders because it will assist our officers to recognise them. “Some journalists will say ‘I want a scoop’ but don’t go for scoops at the expense of your life. Sometimes you will be assisted by these ground commanders to say, Terry what you want to do here I can foresee danger, can you do it in such a manner that police officers can consider your safety.
“As we move towards the elections, I know there going to be rallies and we have made it clear that you as the media don’t be used by politicians. It will be very difficult because you would have been offered a lift, you are traveling together, there is a disorder situation and police want to restore order, how do they separate you from the politician?” said Ass Com Nyathi.
He also said there are politicians who use the media for cheap political scores. “We have a challenge of some politicians who want to be arrested in the full view of the media.
They want to move around with the media, provoke a situation and when arrests are effected, they want the media to capture the arrest,” he added.
ZRP Officer Commanding Midlands Province Commissioner Winston Muza said it is difficult for officers on the ground to identify journalists during chaotic situations. “One of the resolutions we made in 2018, we said that when we get into situations let’s identify ourselves to police officers on the ground.
“What usually happens when you are on the ground is this; when I get there and for me to ensure that there is a state of order, I see that there should be no one from there to there; I should see no one,” he said.
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Gweru Chapter chairperson Terry Madyauta called for unity of purpose between journalists and police ahead of the 2023 saying there was need to find each other.
The engagements are on a national scale where media and police commanders around the country discuss on ways to ensure safety for the former while at the same time exercising duties diligently.
