Posted by A spokesman for President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has threatened new and tougher laws to monitor foreign journalists in the country after three South African media workers allegedly smuggled broadcasting equipment into the country last week.
George Charamba, who is also the permanent secretary for the ministry of Information and Publicity, said the Zimbabwean authorities would be reviewing three existing legislations that deal with the media to ensure they keep abreast with technological advancements.
The review could see some changes to the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA).
It is an offence under POSA and AIPPA to write stories that are not factual or contain falsehoods while the BSA criminalizes the operation of broadcasting equipment without approval from the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe.
The three South Africans, believed to work for the British television network Sky News, are facing charges of smuggling broadcasting equipment and beaming from the country.
“This is a clear demonstration that Sky News is being used by the British government to advance its political agenda against the country,” Charamba said on Friday.
Source African Press Agency
