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Trial date set against Kwekwe Journalists
MISA-Zimbabwe
February 25, 2008

Three journalists employed by the weekly Network Guardian in the midlands town of Kwekwe on 18 February 2008 appeared in court on allegations of publishing falsehoods in contravention of the repressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Blessed Mhlanga, James Muonwa and Wycliff Nyarota are facing charges of contravening Section 80 (1) (a) (2) of AIPPA which prohibits the publication of falsehoods. The state alleges that on 26 March 2006, the three or one of them, unlawfully and intentionally published a false story in the Network Guardian that George Muvhimi and Tatenda Munhanga were caught with their pants down while having sexual intercourse in a vehicle at Mbizo Shopping Centre in Kwekwe.

Kwekwe Magistrate Aleck Kadye set 15 April 2008 as their trial date.

Mhlanga and Muonwa who have since left the Network Guardian are represented by Media Lawyers Network member Prayers Chitsa while Nyarota is represented by James Magodora. MISA-Zimbabwe Legal Officer Wilbert Mandinde is assisting the two lawyers.

MISA-Zimbabwe expresses deep concern over the failure by the state to bring this matter to finality within a reasonable time. It is almost two years since the issue arose yet the trial is still to commence. Justice delayed is justice denied.

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