MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-The ZRP and media in the Midlands Province have pledged to work closely and iron out contentious issues that are affecting their working relationship ahead of the pending harmonized elections this year.
The engagement meeting was organised by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and topical issues that emerged included the strengthening of relationship between the media and ZRP, upholding the Constitution, reporting ethics as well as the safety and security of journalists.
Speaking at the meeting held at Gweru Memorial Library, national Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi commended the two organisations’ cordial relationship in the Province.
“I want to commend the sound and good relationship between the media and Police in the Midlands Province. The relationship will make our work easier as we are moving together, serving one constituency to ensure that the development of Zimbabwe takes place in a peaceful environment. That will only happen if we work together,” he said
Asst Comm Nyathi added that the Police will embrace all media houses in covering events.
He urged the media to guard against being used by politicians who deliberately misrepresented facts by making false statements.
“ As we move into the elections, I know there will be rallies and we have made it clear that you as the media, don’t be used by politicians. There are certain journalists who want to move around with politicians. When we have a problem it’s difficult to separate a journalist from the politician because they are traveling together yet on the other end the police would want to restore order. At the end of the day it compromises the relations between the media and Police,” added Asst Comm Nyathi.
He however, encouraged the Police command in the Province to have quarterly engagements meetings with the media so that scribes will gain more knowledge on how security services operate as well as strengthening relations.
Media Alliance of Zimbabwe chairperson and Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) secretary general, Perfect Hlongwane said journalists are not enemies and criminals, hence they should be allowed to do their work without any hindrance , as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.
He said “ the issue of safety and security of journalists is top priority to ensure that journalists are secure as they carry out their duties”.
Veteran media practitioner and MISA board member Chris Chinaka highlighted that the interface engagement program that has been commissioned by the Police was to create a safe working environment for journalists as well as building a harmonious relationship with the law enforcement agency in all provinces.
