Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
Editor interrogated
On 28 February 2000, the editor of the Kiswahili daily “Kasheshe”, Vanance Mlay, was interrogated in Dar es Salaam following his arrest over publishing what police alleged was a seditious story. The interrogation was originally scheduled to take place in the Mbeya region. The Regional Police Commander of Dar es Salaam intervened in the matter […]
Members of parliament call for dismissal of editor
On 28 February 2000, members of parliament (MPs) of the ruling ZANU-PF party launched a scathing attack on the main pro-government newspaper, “The Herald”, for covering up weaknesses in the government. The MPs, who expressed abhorrence about the official press cover-up of government activities, went on to demand the removal of the paper’s editor, Bornwell […]
Editor detained for interrogation
(MISA/IFEX) – On 25 February 2000, the editor of the Kiswahili daily “Kasheshe”, Venance Mlay, was reportedly detained for interrogation over a story published on 18 January. The story reported that police in the town of Mbeya shot a Tunduma resident to death following a pursuit. Dar es Salaam police allegedly informed Mlay upon his […]
Bank unsuccessfully attempts to prevent newspaper distribution
On 11 February 2000, the Universal Merchant Bank (Unibank) attempted to prevent the distribution of the “Zimbabwe Independent” newspaper through an unsuccessful court injunction, the newspaper reported. Unibank lawyer Jonathan Samkange woke up High Court Justice Bartlett at around midnight (local time) to deal with an ex-parte application to prevent the distribution of the “Independent”. […]
Joint statement on the closure of the Swazi group of newspapers
The following is an 18 February 2000 joint statement on the closure of the Swazi group of newspapers: TO: Senator Magwagwa Mdluli Minister of Public Service and Information Fax: +268 40 45379 Dr Sibusiso Dlamini Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland Fax: +268 40 43943 Mr Themba Dlamini Managing Director, Tibiyo Takangwane Fax: +268 […]
Journalists released without bail, trial date set
The three staff members of the “Standard” newspaper who were arrested on 23 February 2000, appeared in the Harare Magistrate’s Court and were charged with criminal defamation. Andy Moyse, the former acting editor, reporter Chengetayi Zvauya and managing director Clive Wilson were remanded out of custody to 24 March by Provincial Magistrate Remigias Jemwa. They […]
Journalist assaulted by superior, detained
MISA has received information about the detention of a journalist in the Namibe province of Angola, who was held for twelve days in January 2000. The information was only received now due to poor communications between Namibe and the capital, Luanda. On 31 December 1999, journalist Francisco Lopes, who is the chief editor of the […]
Journalists arrested for criminal defamation
On the morning of 23 February 2000, Andy Moyse,the acting editor of the “Standard”, reporter Chengetayi Zvauya and managing director Clive Wilson were arrested for criminal defamation over a story which appeared on 30 January. The story claimed that the government-sponsored draft constitution was printed in September 1999, long before the Constitutional Commission’s outreach programme […]