The police accused Radio Kwelaz of broadcasting illegally and confiscated several items, among them CDs that Zacras said contained recordings of developmental information meant to benefit Kwekwe residents.
“The raid on Radio Kwelaz by the police is disturbing for a number of reasons. The police details who visited Radio Kwelaz were unsure of the crime committed, and came to grab assets “pending the arrival of experts from Harare who will determine” what charges to proffer on Radio Kwelaz.
“This translates to labelling Radio Kwelaz ‘guilty’ until proven ‘innocent’, which shows a warped understanding of natural justice,” said Zacras in a statement.
“Equally disturbing is fact that this is the second raid, on similar suspicious grounds, in the last 12 months. The current allegations, like the previous ones, will not stick,” added the association.
Zacras insisted that Radio Kwelaz could not be charged for transmitting illegally when it did not possess the necessary equipment.
“It should be mentioned here and everywhere that Radio Kwelaz has no plans to broadcast illegally. If anything, they are using all their energy and resources towards preparing for licences that MUST be awarded no later than December this year,” said Zacras.
It urged government to use “the limited resources at their disposal preparing and putting in place mechanisms that allow people to meaningfully and productively use the media, than stifle it.”
Zacras described the raid as “unconstitutional and uncouth”.
“Community radio initiatives mean no harm and are not enemies of the state but rather are partners whose vision is to develop and empower communities around Zimbabwe though building sustainable, strong, vibrant autonomous community radio stations,” added the association.
Post published in: News