By A Correspondent
Masvingo-Centre News Editor, Godfrey Mtimba, has been receiving threats from anonymous callers accusing his paper of reporting on a story involving local residents’ leaders. The leaders had taken legal action against illegal gold panners mining near Masvingo city’s water tanks, seeking an interdict to halt their activities.
The anonymous callers allegedly warned Mtimba to stop reporting on the issue, claiming it could endanger his life, as well as the safety of his reporters and family.
“Yes, I have been receiving calls from hidden numbers warning me to stop reporting on the water tank issue, or something very bad will happen,” Mtimba said. He added that his safety and security were now at risk, and he suspected that unidentified individuals might be following him.
The report highlighted concerns over potential human rights violations, particularly the right to life. It revealed that the miners are using dangerous chemicals such as cyanide, which could contaminate the water tanks and endanger human life.
The tanks supply water to about 100,000 residents in Masvingo city. There are also fears that the tanks could collapse and cause floods due to cracks that have developed from the miners’ use of explosives. The miners, who are allegedly backed by local and national political figures from the ruling government, are also accused of degrading the environment by leaving open pits and destroying vegetation.
The Masvingo Media Centre (MMC), a media rights advocacy group, has expressed concern over the threats, condemning the violations of press freedom and media rights.
“We are appalled by the continued threats against the editor of The Centre News. This is a direct attack on the free press and a violation of press freedom and media rights. We strongly condemn these cowardly acts and call for a thorough investigation,” MMC said in a statement.
Centre News has since engaged its legal team to file a formal police report, seeking an investigation into the callers. The same individuals have also been threatening the Masvingo United Residents and Rate Payers Alliance over the issue, after the residents’ group took the matter to the High Court.