Zimbabwean journalist arrested over first lady's used underwear story
A Zimbabwean journalist was recently jailed for reporting how the country's first lady Grace Mugabe donated her used clothes including her underwear to her party supporters. A reporter for NewsDay, Kenneth Nyangani could face imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of $200. Despite his arrest, Nyangani says he stands by his story "100%".
The Zimbabwean government has been slammed for intimidating and harassing journalists, with international human rights organizations demanding Nyangani's release. His arrest is being seen as an attempt to regulate the negative reports involving Mrs. Mugabe and improve her image. "It is a deliberate tactic to harass journalists and deter them from doing their work," said Cousin Zilala, Amnesty International Zimbabwe's executive director.
The 53-year-old first lady is extremely unpopular among Zimbabweans for maintaining a flamboyant lifestyle when the rest of the country is buried deep in economic crisis. Mrs. Mugabe has several high-profile properties in South Africa and is reported to have recently purchased a Rolls-Royce worth $4,00,000. A video of her son taking the delivery of the Rolls-Royce cars last month had sparked nationwide outrage.
Mrs. Mugabe often makes headlines but for wrong reasons. She was accused of assaulting a model, Gabriella Engels, with an electric cable in Johannesburg in August. Despite a public uproar and an ongoing police probe, she was given diplomatic immunity and allowed to leave South Africa after the incident. However, Mrs. Mugabe maintains she was attacked with a knife and acted in self defense.
Mrs. Mugabe is one of the prime contenders who might succeed her 93-year-old husband, President Robert Mugabe after he dies or steps down. She will find tough competition in Emerson Mnangagwa, Vice President who enjoys massive support among Zimbabwe's powerful security establishment.
