EU,US condemns Ngarivhume and Chin’ono arrests

By Staff Writer

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed arresting Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono for charges connected to public violence.

In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed the development

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that Jacob Ngarivhume of Transform Zimbabwe and Hopewell Chin’ono have been arrested on allegations of contravening section 187 (1) (a) as read with section 37 (1) (a)(i) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9:23 incitement to participate in public violence.

“The duo will appear in court soon and are currently in police custody,” said ZRP.

The confirmation comes after hours of speculation on the status of the duo’s arrests after early reports that the duo was abducted.

Meanwhile , diplomatic missions in Zimbabwe have raises serious concerns over the arrests highlighting that it hinders press freedom to thrive.

In a statement the US embassy said “officials are at Hopwell Chin’ono’s home now and are deeply concerned for his welfare. President Emmerson Mnangagwa noted the important role investigative journalists, like Chin’ono plays in shedding light on corruption. Political intimidation of the press has no place in democracies.”

The European Union delegation in Zimbabwe said they were deeply concerned by the arrest of @daddy hope

“We call for his immediate release. Journalism is not a crime, but a crucial pillar of any democratic society and of the fight against corruption. Journalists and freedom of expression deserve protection,” the delegation said.