New overzealous State Security minister bars ‘hostile’ journalists from covering Zanu PF meetings, threatens to hound party members who leak information to media

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NEWLY-APPOINTED State Security Minister, Lovemore Matuke has issued an order to bar ‘hostile’ journalists from covering ruling party, Zanu PF internal meetings.

Previously, all journalists, both from private and public media, were allowed to attend internal Zanu PF official gatherings such as the Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meetings.

Matuke also issued a stern warning to party elements, who leak sensitive information to the media, saying his spy agency will track them down and mete punishment.

In a video widely circulated on social media, Matuke told Zanu PF members attending a Masvingo PCC meeting at Clovelly that the party needs to heighten its vigilance.

“We hold meetings but by the time we leave, we would already be facing backlashes (on social media) and you then wonder whether the people who participated in those meetings were bonafide Zanu PF members.

“Going forward chairman, we need to designate our members responsible for information, including news personnel,” said Matuke, who doubles as security secretary in the Zanu PF Politburo.

“Be very strict that nobody just comes and sits without being scrutinized. If it is a PCC, only those eligible should attend the PCC.

“At the same time, we must have our security guys who watch out for people who leak information and bring them to book. Those people should be dealt with thoroughly.’