Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has dismissed restrictions on media coverage of traditional courts, defending journalists’ right to report proceedings.
His comments contradict a directive issued last month by former Local Government Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti.
Muguti had prohibited filming, recording and live-streaming proceedings at traditional chiefs’ courts.
However, Charamba insists that only judicial officers can determine media access during court proceedings.
Muguti wanted phones banned from chiefs’ courts
Muguti announced the restrictions during a meeting with provincial councils of chiefs in Harare on October 13.
He argued that recording traditional court cases could undermine confidentiality and discourage people from seeking assistance.
According to Muguti, community members might avoid reporting sensitive family, marriage and property disputes.
He particularly warned against exposing private cases on social media.
“We should not be allowing cellphones in the chief’s court, where a case is being heard in confidentiality,” he said.
“The moment you start recording trials in the community court, if someone faces a problem, they will avoid reporting the matter to the chief for fear of being exposed on social media.
“Let us respect the chief’s court; let us respect our heritage. Why are we now trying to be celebrities? So people say Chief so-and-so is the best; who speaks vulgar?
“Because of that, we are now actively facilitating amendments to the Traditional Leaders Act.”
Charamba says Muguti had no authority
However, Charamba has challenged the legality of Muguti’s directive following his dismissal on Wednesday.
Responding to questions about the restrictions, he said traditional courts fall under Zimbabwe’s judicial system.
Consequently, government officials cannot independently determine how journalists cover their proceedings.
“Court proceedings amount to ‘privileged communication’ for the media, which can cover those proceedings without let or hindrance except those set by the same courts. Chief’s courts are part of the court system of the country,” he said.
He added that restricting media coverage would violate the separation of powers.
Charamba maintained that judicial officers could decide which cases remain private or open to journalists.
He also said higher courts could intervene whenever traditional courts mishandle proceedings.
“The former Permanent Secretary was out of order.”
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