Fears grow for missing former TV anchor

Fears grow for missing former TV anchor

MISSING: Jestina Mukoko

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By Lebo Nkatazo
Posted to the web: 04/12/2008 11:46:15
FEARS grew on Thursday for a missing Zimbabwean former TV news anchor-turned human rights activist, over 24 hours after she was reportedly kidnapped from her home by a gang of 12 men driving in two unmarked vehicles.

Jestina Mukoko was “taken by force still barefoot and in her pyjamas” from her Norton home just after 5am on Wednesday, according to a news release by the Zimbabwe Peace Project for which Mukoko works as a director.

“More than 24 hours later, there is still no sign of Mukoko, nor any indication of her whereabouts or who might have abducted her,” the statement said.

One report said the men who raided Mukoko’s home on the outskirts of the capital, Harare, “were armed and driving a Mazda Familia with no number plates”.

Amnesty International issued an alert on Wednesday, demanding that Zimbabwean authorities guarantee her safety.

“This situation is extremely distressing and demands attention by authorities both within and outside of the country as well as solidarity from civil society and trade unions in the region,” said Shuvai Nyoni, a spokeswoman for the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in neighbouring South Africa.

Mukoko’s teenage child is reported to have raised the alarm with human rights groups following the kidnapping.

The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) is a human rights organisation that “monitors and documents human rights violations”, according to a spokesman.
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