IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
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ALERT UPDATE - ZIMBABWE

12 March 2002

Detained Botswana editor transferred to Harare prison

SOURCE: Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Windhoek

**Updates IFEX alert of 26 February 2002**

(MISA/IFEX) - Moses Oguti, the detained editor-in-chief of Botswana-based
magazine "Trans Kalahari", has been transferred to Harare Central Prison, in
the Zimbabwean capital, Harare. Oguti is accused of entering Zimbabwe
illegally and misrepresenting information to the police.

According to a report in the 11 March 2002 edition of "The Daily News",
Oguti was transferred to Harare on 2 March at the request of senior
immigration officers. The newspaper reported that immigration officers in
Mutare refused to explain why Oguti had yet to appear in court. However, the
police spokesperson in Mutare, Francis Mubvuta, explained that Oguti had not
appeared in court because his co-accused, an unnamed driver from Mozambique,
was still at large. Oguti languished in Mutare prison for two weeks before
being transferred to Harare.

MISA-Zimbabwe could not establish the status of Oguti's case at the time of
writing this alert.

BACKGROUND:
Oguti was arrested on 17 February for allegedly entering Zimbabwe illegally
through the Forbes Border Post (the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique).

Oguti's co-accused, a driver from Mozambique, is still at large. The driver
is said to have driven Oguti's vehicle into Zimbabwe, while Oguti himself is
said to have entered Zimbabwe through an illegal entry point in the
mountains.

On 26 February, Mubvuta indicated that Oguti would be charged with "entry by
evasion" and would also be declared a prohibited immigrant. He is expected
to be deported shortly after his transfer to Harare prison.

It is still not clear if Oguti entered Zimbabwe with the intent to perform
media-related work. He had apparently told police and immigration officials
that he was merely visiting.

For further information, contact Zoe Titus or Kaitira Kandjii, Regional
Information Coordinator, MISA, Street Address: 21 Johann Albrecht Street,
Mailing Address; Private Bag 13386 Windhoek, Namibia, tel: +264 61 232975,
fax: +264 61 248016, e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected],
Internet: http://www.misa.org/

The information contained in this alert update is the sole responsibility of
MISA. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit
MISA.
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