Citizens have been urged to prioritise their safety when filming in public spaces following the arrest of several residents who recorded police officers during a crackdown on pirating commuter omnibuses.
Speaking on This Morning on Asakhe, a CITE X-Spaces current affairs programme, the Director of the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE), Zenzele Ndebele, highlighted the need for caution, noting that filming should not interfere with the work of first responders.
“People should know that, generally, to practice as a journalist, you need to be accredited. While you can still practice without accreditation, you won’t have access to official information. However, since everyone has a cellphone, and according to the Zimbabwe Media Commission guidelines, any Zimbabwean can register as a journalist. With phones, people can record events, but there are areas protected by laws like the Official Secrecy Act that citizens may not be aware of,” he explained.
He also cautioned against interfering with emergency personnel.
“When filming or taking pictures, you should not obstruct first responders such as the police or fire brigade. By doing so, you not only endanger them but also yourself,” Ndebele said.
He stressed the importance of safety, noting that no story is worth dying for.
“Journalists are trained to maintain a safe distance from victims and hazardous situations,” he added.
Ndebele expressed concerns about the irresponsible use of cameras but acknowledged their value in exposing corruption and police misconduct.
“It’s acceptable to use cameras to expose wrongdoing, such as cases where police overuse force or beat civilians. Such footage can serve as evidence against abuses of power,” he said.
However, he warned that filming police activities could lead to legal charges, such as criminal nuisance.
“If you’re arrested for filming the police, you may face charges of criminal nuisance. This puts your family under financial strain as they’ll have to hire a lawyer. Is it worth it?” he asked.
Ndebele emphasised the risks involved in filming sensitive situations. “Citizens must not endanger their lives just for a picture. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe has a system where accountability is lacking. Many cases of police shootings go unresolved, with no consequences for those responsible,” he said.
He reiterated that while citizen journalism is valuable, filming in restricted areas could lead to legal consequences. “Filming in a protected area is different from filming a wedding or a party,” he clarified.
Ndebele urged citizens to exercise caution when documenting police activity.
“If the police are chasing a suspect, give them space to do their work. Citizens need to remain aware of the risks and act responsibly,” he concluded.
Last month, police issued a stern warning to individuals filming tragic incidents, such as accidents and drownings, instead of assisting victims or calling emergency services.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly condemns the distressing behaviour of individuals who choose to film citizens during tragic incidents, such as accidents or drownings, rather than offering assistance or calling for emergency services. This conduct is not only morally reprehensible but also constitutes a violation of the dignity and privacy of the victims and their families,” the police said in the statement.
“In light of recent incidents, the ZRP supports pressing criminal charges against those who engage in this intrusive and harmful behaviour. Filming or sharing footage of individuals in life-threatening situations without their consent or the consent of their families is unacceptable and warrants legal repercussions.”
