Police have arrested a correspondent working for British newspaper the Independentunder new security laws.
Mr Basildon Peta is believed to be accused of organising an illegal protest against strict media curbs being debated by MPs. He is secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists.
Ms Christine Samudzimi, Mr Peta's sister, said the journalist - an outspoken critic of proposed media laws - turned himself in to the main Harare police station last night after police searched his home on Saturday.
Lawyers said Mr Peta is expected to appear in court. He will be the first prominent government critic to be charged under security laws enforced since January 18th.
The wide-ranging Public Order and Security Act carries penalties of imprisonment or a fine. It tightens previous laws requiring police clearance for public meetings and outlaws criticism of President Mr Robert Mugabe, who is fighting for his political survival in presidential polls in March.
Sweeping new media laws were passed by parliament last Thursday but still have to be signed into law by Mr Mugabe.
Those proposed laws carry a prison term of up to two years for journalists convicted of infringements.
PA