Zimbabwe: Rutendo Maraire Faces Harassment for Exposing Businessman's Lavish Spending
Journalist’s harassment case tests Zimbabwe’s commitment to press freedom amid police delays
Location: Zimbabwe, Harare
Date: February 19, 2024
Women Press Freedom vehemently denounces the egregious treatment of Rutendo Maraire by businessman Wicknell Chivayo. It is abhorrent that Maraire has been subjected to cyberbullying and sexual harassment simply for performing her journalistic duties. Her attempt to question Chivayo on his extravagant expenditures has resulted in a distressing pattern of intimidation aimed at silencing her quest for transparency. The slow progress in the investigation of Maraire's complaints is deeply concerning and poses a significant threat to her safety. Despite filing a police report and enduring continued harassment, the lack of swift action undermines the rule of law and emboldens perpetrators of such abuses. Women Press Freedom calls for immediate and thorough investigation and legal action against Wicknell Chivayo for his reprehensible behavior towards Rutendo Maraire. The Zimbabwean authorities must ensure that journalists can work without fear of retaliation. It is imperative that the government upholds the values of press freedom and protects journalists from harassment and intimidation.
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Rutendo Maraire, a young journalist working as an intern for the local publication Sources Media, has become the target of cyberbullying and sexual harassment following her inquiries into the extravagant expenses of businessman Wicknell Chivayo. The harassment began after Maraire questioned Chivayo about his lavish spending on luxury vehicles, which she intended to report on as part of her journalistic duties.
Maraire filed a police report in Harare on November 23, 2023, accusing Chivayo of "cyberbullying and sexual harassment." Her official complaint followed a disturbing exchange with the businessman over WhatsApp. In these exchanges, Chivayo not only refused to address Maraire's questions about his spending and whether his purchases had been adequately cleared through duty payment by authorities but also resorted to personal attacks and threats.
“The experience has taken a toll on my enthusiasm and positivity for reporting to the extent that I am contemplating a shift to another field,” Maraire told local media.
In support of Maraire, Sources Media has publicly decried Chivayo's behavior and lamented the police's slow handling of her case, calling for a comprehensive investigation and legal action. The organization stressed that Maraire's investigative reporting was based on factual evidence, emphasizing the need to shield journalists from bullying tactics.
“The recent incident (...) is not only unwarranted but constitutes a serious offense that demands a thorough investigation. (...) Resorting to threats and sexual harassment is an unacceptable means of addressing concerns,” their statement reads.
“The experience has taken a toll on my enthusiasm and positivity for reporting to the extent that I am contemplating a shift to another field”
The investigation into Maraire's complaint, spearheaded by officer Denford Muchandibaya, has been notably sluggish. National Police Spokesperson and Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi acknowledge the investigation's ongoing status, noting that the police await further details from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and telecom providers to advance the case. Given Chivayo's connections to Zimbabwe's ruling elite, this exacerbates the journalist's vulnerability.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the reprehensible treatment of Zimbabwean journalist Rutendo Maraire, who has become the target of cyberbullying and sexual harassment for simply carrying out her duties. Maraire's ordeal underscores not only the individual challenges she faces but also the broader systemic issues confronting journalists in Zimbabwe, especially when reporting on individuals with significant power and influence. We urge authorities in Zimbabwe to act swiftly and take action against the businessman who is blatantly threatening a young journalist who has just started her career. We demand accountability and justice for Maraire and urge the government to uphold press freedom values in the country, as it is the cornerstone of democracy.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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