‘Media-Police Action Plan, a game-changer’

BULAWAYO — The Media-Police Action Plan proved to be a game-changer as it created a conducive
operating environment for journalists and the police during the just-ended harmonised elections.

The Plan guided the police and journalists to tackle the contending issue of security of journalists.

No reports of assault, harassment, threats or interference with journalists was made against the
police.

Previous elections were dominated by allegations of harassment and threats of journalists by
members of the security services as they performed their constitutional responsibilities.
The ZRP Commissioner General set up the National Elections Committee headed by Commissioner
Ndofandaedza Jaboon to coordinate police activities and to ensure that there was a peaceful
environment in the country.

Speaking during a post-election national media review indaba in Bulawayo recently, Zimbabwe
Republic Police national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the just-
ended elections proved that engagement works and is fruitful if all stakeholders work as a team.
“At first, there was mistrust on the importance of the engagements, however, the just-ended
elections have shown that engagement really works and is fruitful if all parties genuinely come on
board and work together.

“The operating environment for journalists in the just-ended elections was indeed commendable.
No reports of assault, harassment or threats or interference with journalists was made against the
police.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police therefore takes this opportunity to appreciate and applaud media
bodies for the sterling work done to engage and promote the safety of journalists,” said Asst. Comm.
Nyathi.

He called for the continuation of engagements beyond the election period as “journalists need
security on daily basis, therefore engagement should be regular”.

The national police spokesperson appealed to the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) and the
parent ministry, to assist young and upcoming journalists to traverse the media field professionally
in the advent of social media, cyber issues and citizen journalism.

“The journalist needs to balance professional acumen, discipline, ethical code and security
consideration. The Zimbabwe Republic Police will continue to implore Police Commanders at station,
district, provincial and national level to prioritise the safety of journalists as they perform their
duties,” he said.

Asst. Comm. Nyathi called for joint workshops, training and campaigns to promote the safety and
security of journalists at all levels of interaction.
He urged journalists to put their safety first before undertaking given assignments.