Journalist arrested after story about Grace Mugabe donating used underwear

david nganga

October 3, 2017 6:21 PM

The NewsDay on Monday reported that a ruling Zanu-PF lawmaker, Esau Mupfumi had over the weekend handed out clothes saying they were donated by Grace Mugabe.

A Zimbabwean journalist has been arrested by police over a report claiming that First Lady Grace Mugabe donated used underwear to Zanu PF supporters in the eastern border city.

NewsDay reporter Kenneth Nyangani was arrested on Monday night in the eastern city of Mutare, his lawyer said.

Nyangani was being detained in the eastern city of Mutare and is likely to face "criminal defamation" charges, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said.

"I met the First Lady Grace Mugabe and I was given these clothes so that I can give you. I have briefs for you and I am told that most of your briefs are not in good shape, please come and collect your allocations today," the NewsDay quoted Mupfumi as saying.

"We have night dresses, sandals and clothes, come and take, this is from your First Lady Grace Mugabe."

Zimbabwe banned the importation of second hand clothes and shoes in 2015 to help protect local textile and shoe companies, but the ban was later relaxed.

Word has it that second hand clothes and shoes seized by revenue officials at borders, have been redistributed to ruling party supporters at rallies.

david nganga