It’s dangerous to report from Zimbabwe. The stakes are high for any foreign journalist who visits the country without official permission – something which is pretty hard to come by. Two years in prison is the current punishment for those entering the country to report on the abuses going on within its borders.
But even though it’s dangerous, there are many reports of brutality and horrific oppression that make it out of the country. Under the dictatorship of President Robert Mugabe Zimbabwe has become a police state, a corrupt and dangerous country where opponents speak out against their ruler at great personal risk.
As well as fear the country is being literally ruined by Mugabe’s policies. Food is scarce and the current drought will claim many more lives because the country refuses to accept any foreign aid. That leaves Tearfund partner's with thousands of children to feed.
Despite intimidation, Church leaders in Zimbabwe and throughout southern Africa continue to speak out against Mugabe and his policies. The general secretary of the South African Council of Churches, Eddie Makue, says,
‘No matter how harsh the repression, a people who seek peace with justice cannot be deterred. Now is the time for us to act for peace and justice in Zimbabwe.’
In January, eight men were arrested at a church service to inaugurate a new chapter of the ZCA in Kadoma province. Charges against five of the men were dropped on 5 March. The remaining three have been released on bail.