By Delicious Mathuthu
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Regional) is condemning the continuing culture of impunity on journalist murders in Mozambique as several cases have gone unsolved.
This follows yet another murder on Thursday, December 14, of Ponto por Ponto publication co-owner and Editor, Jao Chamusse, who was killed outside his house in the Southern African country’s capital, Maputo.
Chamusse’s killing is one of many that have gone unsolved which has raised alarm in the media and journalists’ rights organisation which fights for freedom of expression in the region.
Prior to Chamusse, Ibraimo Mbaruco was, in 2020, kidnapped and has never been seen since while journalist Paulo Machava was shot dead in a drive-by in 2015; both crimes are yet to be solved and the perpetrators brought to book.
MISA says impunity for crimes against journalists defeats democracy and freedom of expression.
“…With all the unsolved cases on attacks against media workers, MISA fears that a culture of impunity for crimes against journalists is being entrenched in Mozambique.
“…Impunity for crimes against journalists deters freedom of expression and of the media, leading to the demise of democracy, as these rights are critical to public participation and civic engagement,” the institute says.
They challenge the Mozambican authorities to nip the impunity culture of crimes against journalists in the bud before it manifests, saying Mozambique must swiftly investigate journalist’s murder.
“MISA strongly condemns the killing of Chamusse and demands that the authorities prioritise the investigations leading to his death.
“…If this case is left unsolved, as previous cases, it will only help to embolden would-be perpetrators of crimes against journalists.
“…MISA seeks to remind Mozambican authorities that, under both domestic and international law, they have a responsibility to promote comprehensive prevention, protection and justice policies to address impunity for crimes against journalists,” they say.
On the Chamusse murder case, MISA Mozambique says the country’s police are yet to release a statement on his killing.
The motive behind the attack is still unclear but the journalist’s mobile phone and laptop were taken, it is reported.
MISA Mozambique joined MISA Regional in condemning the killing of Chamusse saying it is a “setback for a democratic country where the media is a fundamental pillar”.
The MISA country chapter challenged police to be swift in bringing the perpetrators to account, which will be “a message to would-be perpetrators that impunity for crimes against journalists would not be tolerated.”
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