Police deny banning public from recording graphic images of accident scenes

By Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has dismissed as fake, a weekend statement which suggested the law enforcement organisation had banned and further threatened prosecution against persons who record and circulate graphic images of road traffic accidents without the consent of persons concerned.

According to the statement in question, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi had said the “filming or sharing footage of individuals in life-threatening situations without consent is harmful and violates basic human principles” adding that the act inflicted “additional, unnecessary trauma on victims and their loved ones”.

Nyathi, in the purported statement, had also vowed legal action against those who film the tragic incidents for “personal gain or notoriety”.

The comments invited a backlash by ordinary Zimbabwean who felt the police were overstepping their boundaries and seeking to clamp down on free expression.

However, police on Monday moved to disown the statement saying it was never issued by their spokesperson.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses a fake press statement by a yet to be identified person titled, ‘Filming of tragic incidents and legal action‘. The Police has not issued the statement,” police said via official communication on the organisation’s social media handle.

“The public and media are urged to dismiss it with the contempt it deserves.

“The signature on the statement is not that of Commissioner Nyathi and clearly shows that it has been doctored.”

Police added, “The police warns individuals and groups trying to issue statements on behalf of the Zimbabwe Republic Police that the law will be applied on them without fear or favour.”