Media Institute of Southern Africa : Promoting Media Diversity . Pluralism . Self-Sufficiency . Independence

MISA takes note that a lot of statements and concerns have been raised in Zimbabwe, the region and internationally calling for the immediate release of Mukoko or at least that she be produced in a court of law to face whatever charges the government has against her. MISA takes note that Mukoko’s life is in serious danger as she is reportedly on medication and as things stand is being denied that medication.

The abduction of Mukoko, demonstrates the extent of the break down of law and order in Zimbabwe and the levels of impunity that are tolerated by the regime in Zimbabwe. We express concern that the police maintain that they cannot locate nor demonstrate actions they are taking to investigate the matter. The courts are dilly-dallying in dealing with the matter, not taking into account that someone’s life is in danger. At this point, Mukoko and citizens of Zimbabwe have lost all protection under the law and are subjected to any form of repression willy-nilly.

MISA Calls upon the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to take immediate action to protect the citizens of Zimbabwe and demand the immediate release of Mukoko. The act of abducting Mukoko and indeed many other people who remain unaccounted for is a desperate political act and cowardice on the part of those who perpetrate these acts and on the part of the government of Zimbabwe.

The lack of seriousness in dealing with this matter is so glaring pointing to complicity in such acts by authorities. MISA urges the United Nations and Africa Union to take the matter of Mukoko up with the Zimbabwe government and indeed to work concertedly in dealing with the crisis in Zimbabwe. The world has watched the tragedy in Zimbabwe unfold and it is time for action to be taken to resolve this matter once and for all.

Kaitira Kandjii
Regional Director
MISA Regional Secretariat
21 Johann Albrecht Street
Private Bag 13386
Windhoek, Namibia
Tel: + 264 61 232 975
Fax:+264 61 248016
Mobile: 00 264 813 675 362
E mail director@misa.org

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