DJ OLLAH HANDED ME OVER TO JOACHIM "G6" CHIVAYO AND I WAS BADLY ASSAULTED - TECHMAG TV EDITOR IN CHIEF TONEO SPEAKS

TECHMAG TV CEO TONEO TONEO SAYS HE SUFFERED INJURIES DURING FUNERAL COVERAGE, FILES POLICE REPORT

A TechMag TV journalist has alleged that he was physically assaulted by security personnel allegedly linked to Joachim Chivhayo, popularly known as G6, while covering the funeral proceedings of the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

In a detailed media statement, TechMag TV Editor-in-Chief and CEO Toneo Toneo claims that the incident occurred after a confrontation over his crew's coverage of the funeral procession.

Toneo says he sustained injuries, including loosened lower teeth, a swollen eye and severe jaw pain. He has since reported the alleged assault to Highlands Police Station under reference number RRB 6847154.

WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE ALLEGED ASSAULT?

According to Toneo, he and his crew had arrived at the Chivhayo residence to cover developments surrounding the funeral. He says he contacted family spokesperson Herbert Chivhayo to request an update on the programme.

Toneo claims Herbert suggested that, instead of giving an individual update, he would address journalists from various media houses at a press conference.

The TechMag TV editor says he subsequently contacted journalists from The Herald, ZBC, Owen Madondo, popularly known as DJ Ollah, and two other media practitioners to coordinate the briefing.

However, Toneo alleges that DJ Ollah later called him aside and led him to Joachim Chivhayo, who allegedly ordered him to stop recording, accusing him of conducting coverage without his clearance.

Toneo says he explained that his team had been covering the story from the scene of the helicopter crash and had continued reporting from the family residence in the days that followed.

He alleges that Joachim remained opposed to his crew's presence and insisted that they stop filming.

Toneo says he then approached Herbert Chivhayo to explain the situation. According to his account, Herbert maintained that he was responsible for authorising media coverage and insisted that journalists should not be stopped or disturbed.

The press conference subsequently went ahead before the media teams left for a funeral parlour in town to collect the bodies.

THE ALLEGED ATTACK ON GLETWIN ROAD

Toneo alleges that the confrontation escalated later as the convoy travelled along Gletwin Road, with journalists recording and broadcasting live near the hearse.

According to his statement, Joachim allegedly shouted from his vehicle: “So you guys mune nharo ka imi, I want to show you something.”

Toneo says the crew slowed down and stopped filming to establish what was happening.

He alleges that a white SUV driven by security personnel then blocked their vehicle, after which three men jumped out and attacked him while he was behind the wheel.

The journalist claims the men punched and slapped him for approximately 20 seconds before returning to their vehicle and driving away.

He further alleges that members of the funeral convoy travelling behind the hearse witnessed the incident.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the account presented here reflects Toneo's version of events.

POLICE REPORT FILED AS LEGAL ACTION LOOMS

Toneo says he has formally reported the alleged assault to Highlands Police Station and intends to pursue the matter with assistance from his legal counsel.

He described the situation as deeply regrettable, particularly given his previous working relationship with DJ Ollah, which he says had been respectful.

The TechMag TV editor maintains that journalists should be allowed to carry out their professional responsibilities without fear of physical intimidation.

“JOURNALISM IS NOT A CRIME”

In his statement, Toneo called on authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable in accordance with the law.

He acknowledged that families dealing with bereavement deserve respect and that journalists should observe reasonable and lawful arrangements during funeral proceedings. However, he argued that such circumstances should never be used to justify violence against media practitioners.

“Journalism is not a crime, and no journalist should be physically attacked or intimidated for documenting events and reporting matters of public interest,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming TechMag TV's commitment to continuing its reporting despite the alleged incident.

THE BIG QUESTION: Should journalists covering high-profile funerals be required to obtain clearance from family representatives, and where should the line be drawn between a family's right to privacy and the public's right to information?

Issued by Toneo Toneo, Editor-in-Chief, TechMag TV.