The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has described as ‘regrettable’ the assault on News Hawks journalist Ruvimbo Muchenje by the party’s security details, as the scribe tried to enter Gadzema Grounds in Chinhoyi where the party was holding a rally.
Muchenje was forced to lie down and made to roll on the ground.
The party spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said the party has since approached Muchenje and apologised to her.
“We have since approached Ruvimbo Muchenje directly to offer our unreserved apology for the incident. She graciously accepted our apology. For the avoidance of doubt, we remain committed to ensuring a free and safe environment for journalists who cover our events. Journalism is never a crime. Lessons have been learnt from this incident and we are improving our protocols to ensure such an incident does not transpire in the future,” Mahere said.
Mahere said Muchenje was attacked while the security team was trying to manage the situation after an attack on Nelson Chamisa’s convoy as he entered the venue.
“In the midst of this emergency response effort, a misunderstanding arose between journalist Ruvimbo Muchenje and one of our security officers leading to a regrettable incident of assault,” Mahere said.
It is not the first time a Zimbabwean journalist has been assaulted at a political function.
Last month, Tongai Mwenje, Toneo Rutsito, Pellagia Mpurwa and Chelsea Mashayamombe were heavily beaten by suspected ZANU-PF supporters at a CCC rally in Gokwe.
In 2020, Robert Tapfumanei who works for Sly Media was assaulted while covering an MDC rally.
He was harassed and attacked by security staff who accused him of working for the state broadcaster, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Cooperation (ZBC).
Security staff also grabbed his camera, threw it to the floor, and prevented him from covering the event.
