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Obey Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter 

Hlabezulu Khumalo, a freelance photographer, has become a victim of targeted harassment and threats by individuals associated with the Zanu-PF party due to his profession. Khumalo’s dedication to capturing pivotal moments in Zimbabwe’s political landscape has made him a target for those seeking to suppress the truth.

Khumalo has remained committed to his journalistic duty, determined to shed light on the realities faced by Zimbabweans.

Fast forward to 2022, Khumalo found himself covering a rally led by Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change. Once again, his family became the target of threats and harassment. Accusations of being an opposition activist were hurled at Khumalo, further endangering his loved ones. Fearing for their lives, Khumalo and his family have gone into hiding, seeking refuge in his rural home in Insiza.

A relative, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, expressed their deep concern for Khumalo and his family’s safety. They revealed, “Hlabezulu and his family have been living in constant fear. The last time we heard from him, he informed us that they were going into hiding at their rural home in Insiza. However, we have been unable to reach him as his phones are not going through.”

This reportedly is not the first time Khumalo has been subjected to grief due to his profession, his young brother Brighton who was a veterinary officer by profession, based at Plumtree border post, was stabbed to death under suspicious circumstances after he tipped Hlabezulu to come expose a smuggling ring operating in the area.

The situation faced by Khumalo highlights the dangers faced by journalists and photographers who strive to document the truth in politically charged environments. The suppression of free speech and the intimidation of those who dare to expose the realities of Zimbabwe’s political landscape is a concerning trend that must be addressed.

Human rights organizations and media watchdogs are calling on the authorities to investigate these threats and harassment against Khumalo and his family. It is crucial that the government takes immediate action to ensure their safety and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

In a society that values freedom of expression and the pursuit of truth, it is disheartening to witness the silencing of individuals like Hlabezulu Khumalo. The international community must stand in solidarity with journalists and photographers who risk their lives to bring forth the untold stories that shape our world.