By Jane Mlambo| The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has urged the police and all other stakeholders to respect and promote media freedom by ensuring that there is no unjustified interference with the work of journalists.

This follows the assault of 263Chat journalist Samuel Takawira by anti-riot police at the Magistrates Court in Harare on 6 April 2021 while covering the sentencing of prominent activist Makomborero Haruzivishe yesterday.

Takawira sustained injuries on his left hand and had to seek medical attention.

The journalists were outside the court after the sentencing for purposes of conducting interviews with lawyers representing Haruzivishe, and MDC Alliance spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, when the police started dispersing people from the court premises.

“MISA Zimbabwe reiterates its long-standing position that journalists have the constitutional right to seek, receive and communicate information in terms of Section 61 of the Constitution.

“MISA Zimbabwe urges all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs,  to impress upon the police that any limitations to the enjoyment of constitutional rights are lawful, reasonable and proportionate as prescribed in Section 86 of the Constitution.”