TV journalist killed as police disperse demonstration

Reporters Without Borders is saddened to learn that Channel Ten TV journalist Daudi Mwangosi was killed during clashes between protesters and police while he was covering a demonstration by the political party Chadema in Noyolo, in the central region of Iringa, on 2 September. "We take note of the fact that the police have begun an investigation into Mwangosi's death and we urge the authorities to ensure that it is independent and thorough, and to ensure full transparency about its progress," Reporters Without Borders said. "Light must be shed on all aspects of this journalist's death, including the evidence suggesting that the police were directly responsible. The authorities have a duty to guarantee the safety of reporters and ensure that they are able to exercise their right to gather information." Reporters Without Borders added: "We offer our heartfelt condolences to Mwangosi's family." Chadema organized the demonstration in Nyolo to mark the opening a local office and to protest against a police ban on all political activities and protests until the current national census is completed. Due to have been lifted on 1 September, the ban was extended so that the national statistics office could continue the census. Local sources said that, after the police began dispersing the demonstration, Mwangosi approached some of them to ask why they had arrested fellow journalist Godfrey Mushi. After several police officers began to hit Mwangosi repeatedly, a detonation was heard and then he was seen on the ground with a chest wound. Speaking on Independent Television on 3 September, Tanzania Daima photo-reporter Joseph Senga said a policeman had taken a rifle and had fired a tear-gas grenade at Mwangosi as he was trying to avoid the blows . The impact of the grenade reportedly killed him instantly and injured one of the policemen. Aged 40 and the father of four children, he was buried on 4 September in the region where he was born. Photo : Police assaulted journalist Daudi Mwangosi Photo : Journalist Daudi Mwangosi