Ruvimbo Chivero

The security forces have an obligation to defend and safeguard the country and they must carry out their mandates without fear or favour.

However, it seems certain sections of the media are on a mission to discredit security forces in fulfillment of a nefarious agenda. To this end, the said media have made efforts to cast a negative perception of the forces through unbalanced reporting which is bound to have a negative impact on the country’s global outlook.

The media have decided to turn the tables and portray the violent protesters as victims and the security forces as perpetrators of gross human rights abuses.

This same media has been ominously silent on how security forces were either killed or maimed by the violent protesters who destroyed properties and looted shops. Some of the worst cases of violence were the torching of Makoni Police Station, Domboramwari Police Station, the tollgate along Masvingo Road, and a ZUPCO bus, among other buildings and assets.

By ignoring the atrocities committed by the protesters, the private media has decided to substitute fact with lies in their endeavor to tarnish the good image of the security forces. This type of reporting is causing more harm than good and all right thinking Zimbabweans must reject it with the contempt it deserves.

Alleged cases of murder and sexual harassment have been reported by the private media with no shred of evidence, thereby causing unnecessary alarm and despondence.

Civic organizations are not helping things either as they have capitalized on these false reports to further their regime change agenda with renewed vigour.

It is now a known fact that they are being paid handsomely by their handlers. Safe houses are now big businesses and cash cows.