Africa

Southern African Editors Forum Expresses Concern Over NewsHawks’ Forced Freeze on Military Corruption Story in Zimbabwe

today21 February, 2024

Background

The Southern African Editors Forum expresses deep concern over the NewsHawks, an investigative newspaper in Zimbabwe, being compelled to freeze a corruption story involving three army generals. Under the hashtag #NewsHawksFreezesExclusiveMilitaryStory, the editor reveals journalists, including News Editor Owen Gagare, are under surveillance, reminiscent of the dangers faced by senior journalist Bernard Mpofu in August 2021. Mpofu left his home due to threats after investigating President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s helicopter crash, and NewsHawks dropped the story for journalists’ safety.

Written by: Leonard Witbeen