Chronicle Editor
Auxilia Katongomaral, Chronicle Reporter
NEWS24 investigative journalist Mr Maynard Manyowa has alleged he received death threats and a barrage of cyber bullying targeted at him and his family after giving evidence to the August 1, 2018 post election inquiry.
Mr Manyowa said he has since reported the matter to the police.
He gave oral evidence before a Commission of Inquiry led by former South African President Mr Kgalema Motlanthe into the violence which claimed six lives and left a trail of destruction of property in Harare.
Mr Manyowa said he did not see any soldiers when one of the victims, Mr Ishmael Kumene, was fatally shot adjacent to the intersection of Cameron Street and Jason Moyo Avenue in Harare’s Central Business District during protests by people whom he said were MDC-Alliance supporters.
In a statement yesterday, the Commission’s spokesperson Mr John Masuku said they had received Mr Manyowa’s statement of the threats and reiterated that they guarantee protection to all witnesses.
“The Commission of Inquiry has received with concern a statement by Mr Maynard Kudakwashe Manyowa who testified before it on Thursday 22 November 2018 alleging that he was viciously attacked on social media and also threatened in person including his two wives, children and employees right from the time he was testifying live on ZBC television and other online streaming media.
“In his statement Mr Manyowa also alleges that pictures of his property have been exposed on various social media accounts with threats of causing physical harm and death to him, his family and employees,” said Mr Masuku.
The Commission implored the police and other law enforcement agents to urgently and fully investigate Mr Manyowa’s allegations and bring to book all perpetrators of verbal and physical violence or abuse who cause harm, despondency and discouragement to citizens who have freely testified before it.
“The Commission reiterates that it is fully committed to protecting all citizens who appear before it, through law enforcement agents. The Commission is also disturbed by people who attack and denigrate the integrity, professional ability and reputation of some Commissioners and the prerogative of the appointing authority who is the Head of State and Government,” said Mr Masuku.
“It should be borne in mind that His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa saw it fit to appoint the current Commissioners to carry out this national task in terms of the laws of the land. In fact, the courts have since made a judgment in favour of their unperturbed continuation of duty with the right to ask questions without any threats or hindrance.”
He urged all citizens who attend public hearings to give the opportunity to all those giving testimonies without interjections, heckling and demeaning actions.
Responding to questions from commissioners, Mr Manyowa said while he did not know the origin of the bullet that fatally hit Mr Kumene, it was inconceivable for him to believe that soldiers were behind it since at that time they were not yet in sight.
He said it was after about 10 minutes when soldiers holding whips emerged with some demonstrators throwing missiles at them.
The Commission of Inquiry into the August 1, 2018 Post-Election Violence in Harare is likely to conclude its fact finding mission this week before drawing conclusions.
The seven-member commission’s tenure lapses on December 19, but President Mnangagwa can extend its term if necessary.
The probe team has taken testimony from a wide array of individuals and organisations.
Violence broke out when suspected MDC-Alliance supporters took to the streets on August 1, 2018 demanding the immediate release of election “results” declaring Mr Nelson Chamisa as the winner of the polls.
The violent demands came well before the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission was constitutionally required to announce results.
President Mnangagwa and his Zanu-PF party trounced the opposition in the elections.
— @AuxiliaK
Online Reporter