WATCH: 17 Arrested in Harare For Taking Photos at 2nd Street and Robert Mugabe Road Accident Scene
In a surprising turn of events, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers arrested 17 people for taking photographs with their smartphones at a road traffic accident scene in Harare.
ZRP Dismisses Viral “Fake” Statement
This comes just months after ZRP National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi dismissed as fake a widely circulated press statement claiming the police would arrest individuals for filming tragic incidents instead of helping victims or calling for emergency services.
In November last year, a press statement titled “Filming of Tragic Incidents and Legal Action” caused a stir on social media. It allegedly expressed the ZRP’s concern over the rising trend of people recording life-threatening situations.
The statement described the behaviour as morally wrong and harmful to victims and their families, saying:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly condemns the distressing behaviour of individuals who choose to film citizens during tragic incidents, such as accidents or drownings, rather than offering assistance or calling for emergency services. This conduct is not only morally reprehensible but also constitutes a violation of the dignity and privacy of the victims and their families.”
However, the ZRP later clarified that the statement was fake and denied issuing any directive to arrest people for taking photos or videos at accident scenes.
17 Arrested in Harare For Taking Photos at Accident Scene
On Wednesday morning, a commuter omnibus and a City Council tipper truck were involved in an accident at the intersection of 2nd Street and Robert Mugabe Road.
Reports indicate the commuter omnibus failed to obey a traffic light, leading to the crash. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported.
Popular tabloid H-Metro revealed that police officers arrested 17 individuals for using their smartphones to capture photos of the scene. A video recorded by journalist Arron Nyamayaro shows the arrested individuals being loaded into a police truck.
Ironically, one police officer can be heard warning Nyamayaro against filming the incident.
You can view the video below:
SEVENTEEN people have been arrested for taking photographs with their smartphones at a road traffic accident scene.
Video: Arron Nyamayaro pic.twitter.com/zutXR4H40f— H-Metro (@HMetro_) January 15, 2025
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The post WATCH: 17 Arrested in Harare For Taking Photos at 2nd Street and Robert Mugabe Road Accident Scene appeared first on iHarare News.
