via RadioVop Zimbabwe – ZUJ Challenges Media Ban From Fiscal Court 23 July 2014
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalist (ZUJ) has engaged its lawyers over the decision by the High Court to bar the media from covering the fiscal court of appeal.
The barring of journalists from covering the appeal has been described as retrogressive and it infringes on Section 62 of the new constitution which guarantees access to information.
In an interview with ZBC News, ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi said the union is challenging the judge’s decision saying, Section 65 (7) of the Incomes Tax Act is a capitalist law which needs to be re-aligned with the new constitution.
A media analyst, Wellington Gadzikwa said it is in the public interest and in line with Section 61 and Section 62 of the new constitution that the fiscal court of appeal be covered by the media.
A constitutional lawyer, Tazorora Musarurwa said private companies should be accountable to the public when it comes to payment of income tax and should not hide their financial status.
High Court judge, Justice Samuel Kudya on Monday barred the media from covering the fiscal court of appeal, after an application by South African based lawyer, Advocate De Bourbon cited Section 65 (7) of the Income Tax chapter 23:06 which protects the private companies from the media.
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