By A Correspondent- Security personnel at the ruling Zanu PF’s conference reportedly barred freelance journalist Nunurai Jena from accessing the event despite possessing accreditation issued by the party, raising fresh concerns over media freedom in Zimbabwe.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) condemned the incident, saying the exclusion of journalists from covering the conference undermines press freedom and limits the public’s access to information about decisions made by the ruling party.

According to MISA, Jena was prevented from entering Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), where the conference was being held, even though he had received official accreditation to cover the proceedings.

The journalist was subsequently escorted to the main gate and instructed to leave the premises immediately. Security officers allegedly warned him against returning, threatening him with “worst consequences” if he failed to comply.

MISA said restricting journalists from covering the gathering interfered with their constitutional responsibility to keep the public informed, particularly given the broader implications of decisions made by the ruling party.

The media watchdog argued that Zanu PF’s conference was not merely an internal party affair, as its resolutions and political decisions could have consequences for the wider population.

The incident has renewed concerns about the treatment of journalists covering politically sensitive events in Zimbabwe, with questions emerging over why an accredited reporter would be denied access to a conference organised by the governing party.