Bulawayo – THE Gukurahundi documentary launch that is scheduled for the 29th of September is to go ahead as planned despite police intimidation.
Journalist and producer of the documentary, Zenzele Ndebele, was recently summoned by the police under the law and order section for questioning after he had announced the launch of his documentary titled, Gukurahundi Genocide: 36 years later.
“They (the police) claimed that they summoned me to know about the contents of my documentary. They even wanted me to submit a copy of it”, said Ndebele.
“They allege that they received a tip-off that my documentary contains inflammatory staff that may cause violence in the country”, he added.
However, the defiant documentary maker did not give in to the intimidation tactics.
“I refused to give them a copy of my doccie because it’s unlawful”, he said.
“They were actually usurping the powers of the Board of Censors which is wrong. The launch is still on”, Ndebele added.
He went on to vent out his disgruntlement on his Facebook page where he wrote:
“Am back. ZANU will never change. Launch is on September 29. Befuna bengafuni.”
The culture of intimidation, harassment and torture of journalists and media practitioners by state apparatus is a very common one in Zimbabwe.Even though the rights to Media freedom and freedom of expression are enshrined in the National constitution, the government has done little to non to ensure these are upheld.
