South african journalists arrested in Mozambique during protest coverage
Two South African journalists, Bongani Siziba and Sbonelo Mkhasi, have been detained by Mozambican authorities while reporting on the ongoing popular protests. The journalists, affiliated with News Central Africa TV, were in Mozambique to cover demonstrations that have led, among other consequences, to the closure of the Lebombo border between Mozambique and South Africa.
According to a statement issued by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the detention of these journalists represents a severe attack on press freedoms. The situation is further complicated by the disappearance of Charles Mangwire, a Radio Mozambique journalist and Reuters correspondent, who vanished while meeting the South African reporters.
Legal expert Nhampossa condemned these actions as a blatant violation of the rule of law. “This is one of the fundamental rights that guarantees participation. Mozambique is experiencing a police state that underpins a violent dictatorship,” he stated. He reminded that Mozambique is a signatory to international agreements such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which safeguard press freedom.
Nhampossa argued that the detentions paint a negative picture of Mozambique, suggesting the absence of press freedom and expression in the country. “These arrests show that foreigners face unfounded restrictions while operating in Mozambique, disrespecting constitutional and international principles on journalists’ rights to operate freely,” he added.
Attempts by TORRE.News to reach Faruco Sidique, Secretary-General of the National Union of Journalists, were unsuccessful as he declined to comment on the matter.
This incident is not isolated. Portuguese journalists from CMTV were previously expelled from Mozambique, and on October 21, a Mozambican journalist was severely injured while covering protests at OMM Square, known as Praça da Mulher Moçambicana.
The arrests and attacks against journalists raise serious concerns about press freedom in Mozambique and increasing repression around the coverage of sensitive events in the country.
