Zimpapers Logo

Takunda Maodza

Herald Reporter
Herald Assistant News Editor Takunda Maodza was yesterday arrested while investigating a story that the Levy family is reportedly funding the People First project reportedly led by sacked former Vice President Joice Mujuru. He was by late last night still assisting police with investigations.

Related………….

• Editors, lobby groups slam journalists‘ arrest
• Editor, reporters arrested

Reports say Mr Isaac Levy called Maodza at his Borrowdale offices at Sam Levy Village, promising to give a comment on the matter, but police detectives pounced on him, accusing the reporter of demanding a bribe. Although impeccable sources revealedthat Maodza declined to take the money offered by Mr Levy, police officers proceeded to arrest him and took him to Harare Central Police Station.

“Police are saying he was offered money, but Mr Levy is saying he declined to take the money, but they still proceeded to arrest him,” said the source. Mr Levy was not answering his mobile phone yesterday night. Maodza’s family lawyer was yesterday night making frantic effort to have him released.

Maodza’s arrest comes barely three days after three Sunday Mail journalists Mabasa Sasa, Brian Chitemba and Tinashe Farawo, are in police custody awaiting an initial court appearance for publishing alleged falsehoods.

Yesterday Chief spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba issued a statement suggesting that the trio would have to divulge their sources of information, a cardinal sin in journalism practice.