ZOCC Condemns Restriction of Journalists at Chivhayo Funeral

By Ross Moyo

The Zimbabwe Online Content Creators (ZOCC) has issued an official press statement condemning what it calls the unlawful restriction of journalists by digital practitioner Owen Madondo (Ollah7) at the funeral of the late Wicknell Chivhayo.

In the statement dated 8 October, ZOCC said it received multiple formal complaints that Mr. Madondo had been instructing security personnel to dismiss accredited journalists and independent content creators, restricting access to his personal production crew and select state media entities.

ZOCC said it engaged the Chivhayo family spokesperson, Mr. Herbert Chivayo, who stated that all journalists and content creators are welcome and formally invited to provide unrestricted coverage.

The association said the late Wicknell Chivhayo was accorded Provincial Hero status, making the send-off an event of compelling national interest, and that any attempt by private individuals to restrict press coverage is a violation of media freedom.

It cited Section 61 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) which guarantees Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Media, and Section 61(1)(a) and 61(2).

ZOCC said it will not tolerate actions that compromise media pluralism, and issued two resolutions:
1. A formal warning to Mr. Madondo to cease and desist from interfering with journalists.
2. A formal complaint to the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) requesting investigation and appropriate regulatory sanctions.

The statement was issued on behalf of the Executive Committee by the Secretariat.