By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
JOURNALISTS have been urged to exercise extreme caution in their digital operations following the recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23, which criminalised various cyber-related offences.
The issues emerged during a one-day extensive refresher workshop held on Saturday, February 21, organised by the Beitbridge Chapter of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ).
The workshop was aimed at strengtherning professional standards and equipping media practitioners with knowledge on staying safe amid growing cyber security concerns.
The workshop brought together journalists from different media organisations operating in Beitbridge and focused on cyber security issues and the legal implications surrounding online conduct.
Legal practitioner Jabulani Mzinyathi of Garikayi and Company presented on cyber-related crimes, outlining 17 offences that have since been criminalised through amendments to the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
Mzinyathi said journalists must familiarise themselves with the law to avoid falling foul of its provisions.
“It simply means ignorance of the law will not excuse any person,” he said.
He revealed that at least three journalists were arrested between January and February this year for allegedly contravening provisions under the amended Act, highlighting the urgency for media practitioners to fully understand the new legal landscape.
Mzinyathi dismissed widespread claims about the existence of a standalone Cyber Security Act in Zimbabwe.
“There was wide circulation of what was termed the Cyber Security Act. Zimbabwe does not have a stand-alone Act of that nature. The cyber-related crimes were enacted through the amendments of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23,” he said.
“As you may glean, that has already put us in an area of spreading falsehoods through social media. That is an offence in terms of the amendment earlier referred to,” he added.
Speaking at the same workshop, Thupeyo Muleya, ZUJ Mat South Chairperson, said the refresher training was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen professionalism among journalists in Beitbridge while ensuring they remain compliant with the law in an evolving media environment increasingly shaped by technology.
He said the workshop was also meant to revive ethical standards within the profession and enhance awareness of cyber security issues affecting media practitioners.
As arrests linked to cyber-related offences continue to rise, the workshop served as a timely reminder that digital publishing carries legal consequences.
Journalists were urged to exercise caution, verify information thoroughly and remain guided by both ethical standards and the law.