Zim editor shot in Johannesburg
26/07/2007 14:02 - (SA)Johannesburg - The editor of an independent Zimbabwean news service based in South Africa was in serious condition after being shot in Johannesburg, his deputy editor said Thursday.
ZimOnline said three assailants approached Abel Mutsakani as he parked his car at his home in western Johannesburg on Monday night. One of the three pulled a gun and shot Mutsakani, rupturing his lung and leaving a bullet lodged near his heart.
"He is in a serious but stable condition," said deputy editor Abel Chapatarongo.
The question arises, was this shooting the result of a botched high-jacking attempt or was it some thing more sinister? South Africa, and Johannesburg in particular, are known to have one of, if not the, highest number of high-jackings in the world and one of the highest violent crime rates in the world.
However it is also known that the Mugabe regime is more then prepared to assault and possibly kill journalists who are critical of them. Such as Edward Chikombo who was a camera man who leaked footage of a badly beaten Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the opposition party the MDC, earlier this year after Tsvangirai was brutally beaten by the Zimbabwe police in whilst in custody.
Sources:
News24: Zim editor shot in Johannesburg
M&G: MDC leader 'battling for his life'
Has anyone seen a picture of Edward Chikombo? He will be honored in the Newseum's Journalists Memorial in USA and we need his photo. All leads would be appreciated.
Indira Williams Babic
Visual Resources Manager
Newseum
www.newseum.org