Youth Advocacy for Reform & Democracy (YARD), emphatically and roundly slams Thursday’s arrest of two NewsDay staffers, Deputy Editor Nqaba Matshazi and Journalist Xolisani Ncube as well as that of the Alpha Media Holdings Legal Officer, Sifikile Thabete for allegedly writing falsehoods.
In a move that smacks of panic and desperation, the archaic regime of ZANU PF is already beginning to sever the “4th arm of the state” ahead of the 2018 elections. This action is seen by YARD as a shocking attempt to threaten the freedom of the press, and an attempt to instil fear and trepidation into journalists from reporting the facts on the ground ahead of an election that ZANU PF cannot hope to win in a free, fair and credible manner.
YARD is deeply concerned about the continuing rampant attacks against the media in Zimbabwe and urges the Government to ensure the safety and protection of journalists and media workers against their harassment and unlawful arrests. The media remain the only voice of the people’s representation where all other avenues have been blocked and therefore we cannot allow such situation to prevail with impunity.
Freedom of expression for journalists is a fundamental value in any aspiring democratic society and the safety of journalists is essential to preserve the fundamental right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution. The recent arrests are a serious violation of sections 61 and 62 of the Constitution which guarantees press freedom and which also guarantees the protection of sources.
 
YARD urges the Government to fully respect the rights of journalists and the fundamental freedoms and rights that warrant protection, including freedom of expression.
YARD further demands the immediate release of the incarcerated journalists pending a procedural investigation process if and where necessary. Making an arrest before an investigation is tantamount to putting the cart before the horse and such callous actions are abhorred to the core.
YARD further implores the regime to desist from employing such arrests as a mechanism to silence dissent and to respect democratic governance and human rights and urges all Zimbabweans from all walks of life to remain stalwart and fearless under the threat of attacks from the last kicks of a dying horse.
For and on behalf of the Youth Advocacy for Reform & Democracy (YARD)…. Temba P. Mliswa
Founder & National Coordinator: YARD