Farai Dziva|The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists(ZUJ) has strongly condemned the arrest of Masvingo based journalist Godfrey Mtimba.

Mtimba was arrested for allegedly undermining the authority of the President.

His lawyer, Mr Phillip Shumba of Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba said initially, police had alleged that Mtimba, filmed and recorded a gathering of people who were looking for public transport in Masvingo.

The police also claimed Mtimba filmed and recorded human rights activist Ephraim Mtombeni who allegedly told commuters that their suffering was caused by Emmerson Mnangagwa and his sons.

Advocate Shumba said when he pointed out to police that as a journalist, Mtimba’s duties included filming and recording events, the charge was changed.

“After we pointed out that filming and recording is part of basic journalism, police then changed their statement and started saying Mtimba had in connivance with Mtombeni addressed commuters where he said Zimbabweans were suffering because President Mnangagwa and his sons were stealing public funds.”

Mtimba has since denied the charge and says he was nowhere near the scene.

“Actually I was never anywhere near the place where any public was addressed by some activists. I responded to skirmishes that were taking place in Mucheke. All these charges and their source are a total mystery to me,” said Mtimba.

ZUJ Secretary General Foster Dongozi said they would wait for the legal processes to play out and added that the Union would stand by its Vice President.

“Cde Mtimba says he did not say what he is alleged to have said. So we want to know why he is being victimised.

We deplore, reject and condemn any attempts by those in authority to harass journalists who are doing their work. The pattern of abuse of journalists by those claiming to represent the State is now becoming worrisome.

Journalism is not a crime,” said Dongozi.