The embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa on Friday criticised the media for what it believes are unsubstantiated allegations that former Zimbabwean soldiers are involved in crime.
”In an attempt to seek clarification on the veracity of these claims, the relevant authorities responsible for police in the province [Gauteng] have expressed shock as well at these allegations, which have ho basis in fact.
”I understand relevant heads have already met to address these false allegations,” ambassador Simon Moyo said in a statement.
”The authorities confirm that [the] South African Police Service (SAPS) enjoys excellent working relations with Interpol in Harare, contrary to claims that an SAPS team recently visited Zimbabwe and received no assistance from their counterparts.
”To the contrary, no SAPS delegation ever visited Zimbabwe in connection with the Jeppestown incident.”
Four police officers and at least eight people believed to be associated with a group of alleged supermarket robbers were shot dead in a stand-off with police in Jeppestown, Johannesburg two weeks ago.
A recent newspaper report said the men arrested could be former military operatives from Zimbabwe.
Moyo said it was clear that some print media in South Africa were determined to cultivate xenophobic trust to sour relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
”Such futile effort will not succeed as the two countries and peoples enjoy excellent and cordial relations. We share a common liberation history, a common border, and common culture and indeed a common destiny.
”Simunye [we are one],” Moyo said.
”I am aware that the basis of all these efforts by the media to vilify and demonise the people of Zimbabwe and their leadership is the land-reform programme.
”This is irreversible and, indeed, Zimbabwe shall never be a colony again. The policy is one farmer, one farm, black or white.”
He continued: ”The media must act responsibly at all times and avoid creating tensions between and among nations. After all, journalism is meant to be a noble profession guided by ethics.”
When asked to comment, Gauteng police repeated their earlier policy not to comment further on the Jeppestown case.
The Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court ruled that the identity of the alleged robbers not be published. — Sapa