Journalists warned against being used by politicians

Gweru (New Ziana)–Journalists should be wary of politicians who want cheap publicity through provoking the police into arresting them, a senior police official has said.

Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said this during and interface between the media and the law enforcers which the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)-Zimbabwe organised.

Ass Comm Nyathi said as the country moved towards harmonised elections likely to be held in July this year, journalists should avoid being caught up in political violence that might occur during political rallies.

He said the police had challenges with some journalists who moved around with politicians and were part of their entourages.

“When we have problems, it is difficult to separate the journalists from the politicians. If there is disorderly contact, and the police wants to restore order, it is difficult to separate the two,” he said.

Ass Comm Nyathi said some politicians played to the gallery and wanted to be arrested in full glare of the media after provoking the situation.

“When an arrest is effected, they want the media to capture it, and at the end of the day it compromises the relationship between the media and police,” he said.

During demonstrations and rallies, Ass Comm Nyathi said it was important for journalists to identify themselves to ground commanders for their protection.

He said the relationship between the media and police in Gweru was cordial and should be applauded.

“We are serving one constituency, which is the public, with the goal being that the development of Zimbabwe takes place in a peaceful manner,” he said.

Journalists should separate their work from their private lives as they were not immune from arrest, Ass Comm Nyathi said, adding the media should strive to be fair, accurate, balanced, non-sensationalist and not cause disaffection towards the police.

Misa-Zimbabwe board of trustees’ chairperson Cris Chinaka said the interface was meant to improve and strengthen relations as well as making sure journalists operated under safe conditions.

New Ziana