A jailed Zimbabwean journalist, whose alleged crime was to assist two foreign colleagues from the New York Times to “illegally” enter the country, has been denied bail.
On Tuesday Bulawayo magistrate Rachel Mukanga denied bail to New York Times (NYT) correspondent Jeffrey Moyo, saying he was a flight risk and a threat to national security and sovereignty.
Prosecutor Thompson Hove alleged that the two unnamed NYT journalists Moyo assisted to enter Zimbabwe and apply for press cards had earlier been denied entry by the Information ministry.
“The two foreigners entered the country on May 5 and were deported on May 8,” lamented the magistrate.
“Their agenda was unknown and for three days, they carried out their business interviewing local people without the minister’s approval.
“The national sovereignty and security of the country as we speak is already at stake.”
Making her ruling Mukanga said: “The release of the two accused persons on bail will undermine public peace and security”.
Moyo is also accused of conniving with ZMC employee Thabang Manhika in committing the offence regarding the press cards.
Moyo and Manhika were arrested last week.
Defence lawyer Coltart said the ruling was the most disturbing finding as the accreditation of journalists is not done by the information minister, but Zimbabwe Media Commission.
Coltart complained that his client, Moyo, was being denied visiting rights and had no blankets in the cold cell where he is being held. He said they will take the matter to a high court.
