Andrew
Fatima Bulla Musakwa
Media has a vital role to play during elections and need to work closely with the police particularly during election cycles, Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi has said.
Zimbabwe will hold by-elections on March 26 to fill vacant National Assembly seats, before harmonised elections are held next year.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has already started the first phase of intensive mobile voter registration.
“Relations are sound and improving across the board. As we move into the election period starting with the by-elections on March 26 and harmonised elections next year, this is the period our relations with the media go sour,” said Asst Comm Nyathi during a virtual meeting organised by the Young Journalists Association-Zimbabwe.
“As journalists perform their duties, they must be given their space to do their job. Yes, we have had situations were tempers rise; it is incumbent upon the police and journalists on the ground to identify each other. Let’s continue to find each other.”
Some issues raised by journalists at the meeting include being arrested for using expired media accreditation cards although they were still deemed valid by the regulator, as well as being caught in the crossfire during scuffles between vendors and the police.
Added Asst Comm Nyathi: “On registration of journalists, we hope the relevant authorities are working on that. So far, in terms of 2022, we have not had a challenge as journalists carry out their duties.
“The campaign period starts this week and we want to urge media houses to support journalists with a press jacket which can assist with identification when they carry out their duties.”
He also commended journalists for reporting on transgressions done by rogue police officers and other cases of social ills in the community.
Online Reporter