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    ZRP urges media body to address falsehoods by citizen journalists

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    Harare, (New Ziana) — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has called on the Zimbabwe Media Commission(ZMC), to take measures to curb the spread of misinformation by citizen journalists on social media platforms.

    The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the role of unverified online reporting undermining national safety and security. Addressing participants at the ZMC, ZRP and media leaders breakfast meeting in Harare on Tuesday, ZRP spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized the challenges posed by the rise of citizen journalism, particularly on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter.

    “The rampant dissemination of falsehoods threatens not just public trust but also national security. We urge the Zimbabwe Media Commission to take proactive steps to regulate this issue,” Commissioner Nyathi said.

    Citizen journalism in Zimbabwe has surged in recent years, largely due to the increasing accessibility to smartphones and the internet.

    While this trend has empowered ordinary citizens to report on issues affecting their communities, it has also led to a significant rise in the spread of unverified information, often resulting in public unrest and misinformation.

    According to studies, a substantial percentage of Zimbabweans rely on social media for news, which has made it a fertile ground for the rapid spread of false narratives. This has prompted the police to express their concern that misinformation could incite violence or unrest.

    Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Media Commission, Professor Ruby Magosvongwe, acknowledged the complexities of regulating citizen journalism in a digital age. “We recognize the importance of free expression, but we must also protect the public from the dangers of misinformation,” she said.

    “We are committed to developing guidelines that balance these concerns and ensure responsible reporting.” Professor Magosvonge added: “We continue to urge our media industry to be professional when reporting national issues that border on the country’s security. Today’s engagement is meant to provide a platform where the media could interact with the ZRP and share some insights on how the two institutions can continue collaborating for the good of the country.’’

    She said the media and the police were essential pillars in the functioning of democratic societies, adding that the media served as a watchdog, ensuring that institutions, including law enforcement, remained accountable.

    The ZRP’s appeal highlights the urgent need for a framework that addresses the challenges posed by citizen journalists while safeguarding the principles of free speech, as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.

    As the debate continues, Commissioner Nyathi said the ZRP remained vigilant, urging citizens to verify information before sharing it, to help maintain peace and security in the nation.

    As Zimbabwe grapples with these pressing issues, the role of citizen journalism and its implications for society remain at the forefront of national discourse. The ZRP and the Zimbabwe Media Commission are poised to navigate these challenges in their efforts to foster a safer information environment.

    New Ziana

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