Zimbabwe police have arrested a journalist at a
privately-owned daily over a story claiming that President Robert Mugabe’s
wife, Grace had donated second-hand underwear to supporters, lawyers have said.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said Tuesday that Kenneth
Nyangani, a NewsDay journalist, was arrested on Monday night “for
allegedly writing and publishing a story over the donation of some used
undergarments by First Lady Grace Mugabe”.
Nyangani was being detained in the eastern city of Mutare
and is likely to face “criminal defamation” charges, the organisation said in a
statement. He is yet to appear in court.
The NewsDay on Monday reported that a ruling
Zanu-PF lawmaker, Esau Mupfumi had over the weekend handed out clothes saying
they were donated by Grace Mugabe.
“I met the First Lady Grace Mugabe and I was given these
clothes so that I can give you. I have briefs for you and I am told that most
of your briefs are not in good shape, please come and collect your allocations
today,” the NewsDay quoted Mupfumi as saying.
“We have night dresses, sandals and clothes, come and take,
this is from your First Lady Grace Mugabe.”
Zimbabwe’s worsening economic crisis has forced many people
to resort to buying second-hand clothes which are more affordable.
The used clothes that include undergarments are mostly
imported from Mozambique after being shipped from Western nations.
Zimbabwe once banned the sale of second-hand clothes in 2015
but later lifted the ban.
The southern African country is facing money shortages and
high unemployment blamed on long ruling President Robert Mugabe economic
policies.
Amnesty International has called for Nyangani’s
unconditional release, saying his arrest aimed at harassing and intimidating
journalists.
“The intention is to send a chilling message to journalists
and media workers that they must self-censor rather than expose truths,” it
said in a statement.