FAJ Mourns Two Journalists in Zimbabwe

The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) today mourns the death of two journalists in Zimbabwe. The FAJ affiliate, the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) announced yesterday the death of Mernart Mafirakureva, the business editor of The Chronicle and Zecheaus Nemadire a freelance journalist.  Mafirakureva was involved in an accident while travelling to Harare on July 24th while Nemadire was found dead apparently after being murdered by suspected robbers on his way home. Journalist Roberta Katunga of The Sunday News who was travelling with Mafirakureva sustained injuries and is admitted at a Harare hospital. ''This is sad news from Zimbabwe, we express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of our two colleagues'', said Mohamed Garba, FAJ President.  ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi said this was a severe blow to journalists and journalism as the two had died a few hours apart. “It is indeed a sad day in the industry as these two had a lot to offer in the Zimbabwean media industry. Mafirakureva was a renowned business journalist. He worked at Newsday before returning to assume the position of business editor at The Chronicle. Nemadire was a young, versatile and hardworking journalist who was full of potential.”