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Masvingo-The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Republic Police(ZRP) are set to review their bilateral Media-Police Action Plan in 2026, following the expiration of the existing one this December.
The 5 year plan, launched in 2020, aimed to enhance communication and cooperation between the media and the police as the collaboration continues to promote mutual understanding and conducive working relationship between the two institutions that sometimes clash in the line of duty.
Speaking during the MISA, media police engagement meeting held on December 16 in Masvingo, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner, Paul Nyathi emphasized the importance of the review, stating that it will enable the identification of areas for improvement, as the two institutions work hand in hand to serve the people of Zimbabwe.
“Remember we have an action plan which we had for the past five years. Let us go back to it and see what are the strengths and the weaknesses, that way we can be able to see how to review it, “Nyathi told the meeting.
MISA Trustee, Cris Chinaka, also confirmed in the meeting that the two parties have agreed to review the policy in a bid to achieve a good working relationship.
“MISA and the police have agreed that it is now time to review the action plan and see if it is still serving the purpose. It has been guarding us and we now want to see how wen improve it,” Chinaka said elaborating on the need for continued collaboration between the police and journalists.
In an interview with Centre News, MISA National Chairperson, Passmore Kuzipa, said when MISA came up with a plan, it aimed at creating platforms of engagement, thereby improving working relations between the two.
“By this, we have been checking progress for the areas that need improvement. We are taking it up where we left off, and this will also help us see which other areas that need improvement.” Kuzipa said.
He added that this has been so far important as it helped decrease media rights violations and violence against members of the fourth estate.
“As of today’s engagement, we have come up with resolutions of including other key stakeholders like politicians, not just them but other important key stakeholders in our communities,” Kuzipa added.
The action plan has contributed to a decrease in media freedom violations, with 16 incidents recorded in 2023, compared to 24 in 2022, representing a 33.3% decrease.
The review will focus on strengthening the partnership between the media and police, with key aspects including training, regular meetings, and protection of journalists.
