(MISA/IFEX) – Darlington Hari, a Zimbabwean state Central Intelligence officer (C.I.O), chased and threatened to beat up Philemon Bulawayo, a freelance photo-journalist, after he took pictures of him, “The Daily News” reported on 5 November 2001. According to the report, Hari chased Bulawayo from the magistrates’ court entrance in Harare to a nearby bush 400 […]
(MISA/IFEX) – Darlington Hari, a Zimbabwean state Central Intelligence officer (C.I.O), chased and threatened to beat up Philemon Bulawayo, a freelance photo-journalist, after he took pictures of him, “The Daily News” reported on 5 November 2001.
According to the report, Hari chased Bulawayo from the magistrates’ court entrance in Harare to a nearby bush 400 metres away. “I will kill you. Why are taking pictures of me? I know you are from ‘The Daily News’ and I will make sure that I get you. Who do you think you are? I fought for this country and now you want to embarrass me. What is so special about my case?” shouted Hari as he pursued Bulawayo. “You should be writing about those who are corrupt in government and not about a trivial issue like mine,” added Hari.
Hari, who was out-sprinted by Bulawayo, said that he would pursue Bulawayo and get the film. “I will get you one day. You wait and see. All I want is the film. I do not want to harm you. Just give me the film and it’s over,” said Hari.
Background Information
It is the state’s case that on 1 July, Hari approached Isaac Mwedziwendira, a transporter, and accused him of sabotaging the economy through underhanded foreign currency exchange deals. He allegedly threatened to shoot Mwedziwendira if he failed to give him Z$300,000 (approx. US$5,400). He also threatened to arrest Mwedziwendira and have him locked away for at least fifteen years. Following the threats, Mwedziwendira reported the matter to the police, who set up a trap. On 16 August, Mwedziwendira gave Hari Z$100,000 (approx. US$1,800) in marked notes, leading to his arrest. The trial continues.
