via Editor diverted on way to court, locked up – NewZimbabwe 07/01/2016
THERE was drama in Harare Thursday when two journalists from the NewsDay who were arrested for publishing a story about CIO bonuses were suddenly ordered back to the police station while on their way to court.
Both Nqaba Matshazi (deputy editor) and Xolisani Ncube (reporter) were supposed to appear at Harare Magistrate court but have since been locked up and are expected at the same on Friday.
Lawyers representing the two told NewZimbabwe.com that the decision to appear on Thursday afternoon was reversed when they were just about to arrive at the Harare Magistrate’s court.
“We were on our way to the courts and from nowhere we were made to return to the Harare Central Police station upon which we were told that our clients will go to court Friday morning,” said a lawyer’s text message to NewZimbabwe.com.
The two were arrested Thursday morning and charged with contravening Section 31 (1) (ii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly publishing falsehoods.
They had published a story on Wednesday claiming that while most civil servants went on Christmas and New Year’s holidays penniless, members of the secret service received their salaries and bonuses on 21 December and 31 December respectively.
Matshazi is being represented by Taona Nyamakura and Mzo Mbuyiso of Mtetwa &Nyambirai Legal Practitioners who are members of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights while Ncube is being represented by Sifikile Thabete.
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