Her lawyer Chris Ndlovu confirmed that Mpalume was a freelance journalist accredited by the now defunct statutory Media and Information Commission (MIC). Ndlovu said the journalist was initially detained overnight in Chiadzwa following her arrest before being transferred to Mutare Central Prison where she is being detained. Mpalume is expected to appear in court in Mutaretoday on charges of violating the Protected Areas Act.
12.10.2009
9:26
Journalist arrested in diamond fields
Freelance journalist Annie Mpalume was on 8 October 2009 arrested in Manicaland provinces Chiadzwa diamond fields on allegations of entering a protected area without a pass.