Harare, Zimbabwe (News of the South)-Mutare based journalist, Kenneth Nyangani, has been arrested over a report claiming that First Lady Grace Mugabe donated used underwear to Zanu PF supporters in the eastern border city.
Police picked up Newsday reporter Nyangani on Monday, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) confirmed.
The arrest follows a weekend report claiming that Zanu PF’s Dangamvura-Chikanga MP Esau Mupfumi donated used clothes which included night dresses and underwear.
The clothing items were allegedly sourced by President Robert Mugabe’s wife.
ZLHR spokesman, Kumbirai Mafunda, said the rights lawyers had deployed a legal practitioner to assist Nyangani.
“Because we run a 24-hour rapid reaction system, ZLHR has managed to deploy our lawyer Passmore Nyakureba to offer emergency legal support services to Newsday journalist Kenneth Nyangani.
“(He) has been arrested by ZRP members for allegedly writing a story published in Monday’s edition of NewsDay, claiming that First Lady Grace Mugabe donated some used undergarments to some Zanu PF supporters in Manicaland province,” said Mafunda.
According to NewsDay, the donation was handed over to the ruling party supporters by prominent businessman and Chikanga -Dangamvura legislator Esau Mupfumi, who claimed to have been sent by the controversial First Lady.
Mupfumi reportedly told the activists that the underwear was sourced from Grace.
“Recently I visited the State House and I met the First Lady Grace Mugabe and I was given these clothes so that I can give you. I have briefs for you and I am told that most of your briefs are not in good shape, please come and collect your allocations today. We have nightdresses, sandals and clothes, come and take, this is from your First Lady Grace Mugabe,” the newspaper quoted Mupfumi as saying.
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