By A Correspondent

Godfrey Mtimba, the Masvingo-Centre News Editor, has reported receiving a series of threats from anonymous callers following his paper’s coverage of a story involving local resident leaders who took gold panners near Masvingo city’s water tanks to the High Court in a bid to secure an interdict to stop their activities.

Mtimba revealed that the anonymous callers warned him to cease reporting on the matter, claiming that continuing coverage could endanger his life, as well as the safety of his reporters and family.

“Yes, I have been receiving anonymous calls from hidden numbers warning me to stop reporting on the water tanks issue or something very bad will happen,” Mtimba said. “I am concerned for my safety and security as I also suspect that some unidentified individuals are following me.”

The story in question raised significant concerns about potential human rights violations, particularly the right to life. The miners, who have been using hazardous chemicals such as cyanide, are feared to be contaminating the water tanks, which supply water to approximately 100,000 residents in Masvingo city. Additionally, the tanks have developed cracks due to the miners’ use of explosives, raising fears that they could collapse and cause floods.

The miners, who are allegedly backed by local and national political figures from the ruling government, are also contributing to environmental degradation by leaving open pits and destroying vegetation in the area.

The Masvingo Media (MMC) Centre, a media rights lobby group, has voiced its concern over the situation, condemning the threats against the editor. “We are appalled by the continued threats against the Editor of The Centre News. This is a direct attack on free press and violations of press freedom and media rights. We strongly condemn these cowardly acts and call upon officials to investigate the matter,” said MMC in a statement.

In response, Masvingo-Centre News has engaged legal counsel to file an official police report, requesting an investigation into the anonymous threats. The same individuals who threatened the editor are also said to have issued warnings to the Masvingo United Residents and Rate Payers Alliance, which had taken the matter to the High Court on behalf of local residents.

As of now, authorities have not yet acted on the allegations, leaving the editor and others involved in a state of uncertainty and fear. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the risks that journalists face when reporting on sensitive issues in Zimbabwe.