Sources within the police told The Zimbabwean this week that several video cameras, acquired from China two weeks ago at a cost of US$150 000, have been distributed to the notorious Police Internal Security Intelligence (PISI), responsible in the past for torturing and beating up opposition activists.
“PISI has orders to film the opposition rallies so that any opposition leader who uses foul language against the President will be arrested and the videos will be used as evidence in court,” said police sources.
On Saturday this reporter witnessed a drama at White City Stadium in Bulawayo where MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai was addressing a rally. Party spokesman Nelson Chamisa, his deputy Luke Tamborinyoka and Bulawayo East house of assembly candidate, Tabitha Khumalo, struggled with an overzealous PISI agent who was filming Tsvangirai’s address.
“We don’t see the reason why the police should film rallies because they are not journalists,” said Tamborinyoka.
Kembo Mohadi, the Home Affairs Minister, refused to comment.
11.3.2008
18:04
Govt. Spends US$150,000 on Video Cameras
Govt. Spends US$150,000 on Video Cameras.
BULAWAYO - The Zimbabwe government has spent US$150 000 on state-of-the-art video cameras for police to film opposition politicians during campaign rallies.