via Herald reporter held over ‘bribe demand’ – New Zimbabwe 03/11/2015
A SENIOR Zimpapers journalist was arrested Tuesday on allegations of demanding a bribe from a Harare businessman.
Company officials confirmed that Herald Assistant News Editor, Takunda Maodza, was in detention and assisting police investigations late Tuesday night.
The arrest comes after three other journalists from sister publication, The Sunday Mail, including editor, Mabasa Sasa, were held Monday for allegedly publishing falsehoods.
Commenting on Maodza’s detention on Facebook, Herald editor Caesar Zvayi remarked: “Something is up @ PGHQ, police arrest Herald assistant news editor Takunda Maodza.”
According to a Herald report Maodza was arrested while pursuing a story on alleged funding of former Vice President Joice Mujuru by the Levy family.
The publication said Maodza was offered money by Issac Levy but refused to accept the cash.
“Police are saying he was offered money, but Mr Levy is saying he declined to take the money, but they still proceeded to arrest him,” an unnamed is quoted as saying source.
“Mr Levy was no answering his mobile phone yesterday (Tuesda) night. Maodza’s family lawyer was yesterday night making frantic effort to have released.”
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