Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono
State security agents stormed journalist Hopewell Chin’ono’s home in Harare on Monday before arresting him. Also arrested in a separate location was the July 31 demonstration convenor, opposition Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume.
This comes as Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is reportedly panicking over the planned protests against corruption.
Ngarivhume is the organiser of the planned protests.
In a live video he recorded when police stormed his home, some detectives are heard ordering Chin’ono to place his phone down.
The United States Embassy in Harare has condemned the intimidation of journalists.
“We have learned @PoliceZimbabwe officials are at Hopewell Chin’ono’s home now and are deeply concerned for his welfare. #ProtectJournalists,” US Embassy wrote on Twitter.
The duo was arrested on Monday following staunch criticism of corruption by State officials and also following the organisation of anti-government protests over the rampant corruption in the country.
The development was announced by MDC Alliance activist, Pedzisai Ruhanya who posted on social media saying:
#Zimbabwe journalist & anti-corruption crusader @daddyhope Hopewell Chin’ono & Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume @jngarivhume both detained at Harare Central Police Station. @ZLHRLawyers lawyers Gift Mtisi for Chin’ono & Moses Nkomo for Jacob now granted access.
Chin’ono was recently threatened by the ruling party and at one point was accused by the Minister of Home Affairs of fuelling the rumours of a coup de tat that was said to be brewing in ZANU PF.
On the other hand, Ngarivhume has also been receiving threats for organising the 31 July protests. Ngarivhume said he was unfazed by the threats.
