In a shocking turn of events, a prominent Reformed Church in Zimbabwe Reverend, Joseph Mugidheya, has threatened the Masvingo Mirror Editor, Garikai Mafirakureva, with unspecified action if he publishes a story about a suspected pregnant girl who committed suicide at Nerupiri Parish in Gutu South where hundreds of unemployed youths have installed the soccer betting app at BetWinner-egypt.net/BetWinner-download/
The threats, delivered through both WhatsApp messages and a subsequent phone call, have raised concerns about the safety of journalists in Zimbabwe and the growing trend of intimidation and harassment within the country.
Mugidheya, who was reportedly in Chipinge at the time of the threats, warned Mafirakureva that he would face dire consequences if he proceeded with the story. Chipinge, known for its association with juju and witchcraft, has long been a source of fear and superstition in Zimbabwe.
“Usaisa nyaya yekwaNerupiri paMirror, stop it or you will face what you don’t know, I am in Chipinge now take this advice now failure meet (sic) the consequences asap,” he wrote in a WhatsApp message.
Mugidheya’s threats appear to stem from his desire to protect the reputation of Rev Maphios Tadzembwa, the Pastor-in-Charge at Nerupiri, whom he claims is being targeted by an AFM pastor based at the parish.
“I know an AFM pastor who is feeding you with that information. She is based at Nerupiri and she is just trying to fight Tadzembwa who is her nephew,” Mugidheya alleged.
He further claimed that the deceased girl was sexually abusing a minor and that she took poison after being confronted about her actions.
“She is based at Nerupiri and she is just trying to fight Tadzembwa who is her nephew. I will send the audio in which she was spreading falsehoods. I wish Zimbabwe had a law on Cyber bulling and spreading falsehoods,” he stated.
The AFM Pastor in question could not be reached for comment.
Mugidheya’s threats, delivered through both digital and telephonic means, constitute cyber bullying and are unlawful under Zimbabwean law. His use of threats and intimidation to silence the press raises serious concerns about the state of media freedom in the country.
The incident highlights the growing pressure faced by journalists in Zimbabwe, who are often subjected to threats, harassment, and intimidation in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
The Mirror Editor, Garikai Mafirakureva, has yet to publicly comment on the threats he received.
