Journalist Toneo alleges DJ Ollah exposed him to beatings by Chivayo Security
By Toneo Toneo
The day was meant to be a respectful media coverage of the Chivhayo family funeral. However, events quickly escalated, revealing a coordinated effort that led to violence against a journalist.
The journalist and their crew arrived at the Chivhayo residence to cover the funeral. After a brief discussion with the family spokesperson, Mr. Herbert Chivhayo, a plan was made for a joint press conference to ensure all media houses received accurate information. The journalist then reached out to other reporters, including colleagues from The Herald, ZBC, and DJ Ollah (Owen Madondo).
As preparations for the press conference were underway, DJ Ollah called the journalist aside. Trusting his colleague, the journalist followed, only to be led directly to Joachim Chivhayo (G6). G6 immediately confronted the journalist, harshly reprimanding him for recording at the event without his clearance. Despite the journalist’s explanation that he had been covering the story from the beginning and had received no prior objections, G6 was unyielding and ordered all recording to stop.
The journalist, seeking clarity, returned to Mr. Herbert Chivhayo, who reiterated that the media were welcome and should not be disturbed. The press conference proceeded as planned, but the underlying tension remained.
The situation escalated later on Gletwin Road. As the media convoy accompanied the funeral procession, G6, from his car, shouted at the journalist, accusing him of defiance. The statement, “So you guys mune nharo ka imi, I want to show you something,” signaled premeditated hostility. Moments later, a white SUV driven by G6’s security detail blocked the journalist’s vehicle. Three men exited the SUV and, acting on G6’s orders, physically assaulted the journalist in front of multiple witnesses.
Ollah’s Role
While DJ Ollah did not personally participate in the physical violence, his actions were pivotal. By leading the journalist to G6, Ollah facilitated the confrontation, and his involvement suggested foreknowledge of the plan to reprimand or intimidate the journalist. This breach of journalistic camaraderie helped set in motion the chain of events that ended in violence. The attack left the journalist with significant injuries, including loosened teeth, a swollen eye, and jaw pain. A police report was filed, and legal action is underway
