Star FM now a protected area

The Zanu PF government has, in terms of Section 5 of the Protected Areas Act, declared Zimpapers’ Star FM premises a protected area. This is despite the fact that the station was granted a licence under the pretext that it was independent. 

Protected places are areas where Government takes measures to control the movement and conduct of people. If they are damaged, destroyed or attacked, their failure to function properly would undermine national security.

In a notice published in the Government Gazette on Friday, Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi said the Star FM area would be surrounded by a security fence and a warning sign post would be erected.

“It is hereby notified that the Minister of Home Affairs has in terms of section 5 of the Protected Areas Act (Chapter 11:12), issued an order declaring the premises of Star FM to be a protected place,” said Minister Mohadi.

“The area shall be surrounded by a security fence and a warning sign post shall be erected and visitors will be issued with a visitors’ passes and a visitors’ register shall be maintained at all the gates.”

According to Section 7 of the Protected Areas Act premises declared protected would at all times flight a notice declaring the extent of the area declared to be protected.

Other protected areas in the country include all Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation-owned television and radio stations, strategic Government areas such as the National Heroes Acre and the State House.

ZiFM and the Zimpapers-owned Star FM were granted licences two years ago amid an outcry by rivals who said the owners of the station were too close to the Zanu PF government and called into question their independence.