The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), has condemned the attack on journalists and media organisations by prophet Walter Magaya, the head of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries Church.
BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
Chronicle Chief photographer Elias Saushoma was reportedly harassed and briefly detained by Magaya’s bouncers while taking pictures at a meeting held in Bulawayo on Friday.
Magaya admonished journalists who reported “negatively” about him, calling them agents of the devil who believed in Satan and not in God.
ZUJ Secretary General Foster Dongozi said the union was deeply concerned by the abusive tone taken by Magaya and the alleged violence exhibited by his followers and officials which he said could result in physical attacks on journalists. He said the union was consulting on the way forward following the attack on Saushoma.
“Journalists and media practitioners should be allowed to practise without being threatened by anybody.
“Violence and intolerance is usually associated with gangsters, hoodlums and renegades and we hope this is the last thing that Magaya would like to be associated with. This has the effect of negatively affecting the image of the country at a time when a lot is being done to rebuild Zimbabwe.”
Dongozi said ZUJ was waiting for a public apology from Magaya.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
On the allegations of adultery, the union advised Magaya that journalists were merely messengers of information and were not the ones making the allegations against him.
