RAU challenges media
TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
A non governmental organisation, Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) has urged the media to play a big role in exposing organised violence and torture as the country gears up for the 2023 harmonised elections.
Recently, deadly violence erupted in Gokwe, where the Citizen Coalition for Change leader, Nelson Chamisa was scheduled to address a rally.
Four journalists and several other members of the public were severely injured.
Also in Bulawayo earlier this year, members of the governing party, ZANU-PF, were badly injured while campaigning for the ward 12 by-elections.
“We are lobbying the media to immediately report organised violence and torture in the country,” RAU team leader, Shastry Njeru said.
He added: “This should be exposed as bad part of our political process and assist the political actors in our country to avoid organised violence and torture or any form of violence as a process in which they will be able to protect their power or retain power.”
Njeru said the media must use its power in order to assist in reducing the organised violence.
Meanwhile the ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said the Media Practitioners Bill being drafted was at an advanced stage and it will ensure safety and welfare of media practitioners in the country.
