News / National
Journalist Madzikatidze's bail appeal dismissed
7 hrs ago |
161 Views
The High Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed an appeal by detained journalist Gideon Madzikatidze against the denial of bail, dealing a setback to his efforts to secure release.
In a ruling delivered on March 23, 2026, Justice Muchawa upheld the earlier decision by Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, who had denied Madzikatidze bail earlier this month.
"Whereupon, after reading documents filed of record and hearing counsel, it is ordered that: … The appeal against refusal of bail is hereby dismissed," ruled Justice Muchawa.
However, the order was issued without accompanying reasons, prompting Madzikatidze's lawyer, Godwin Giya, to indicate that the defence team will formally request a detailed explanation from the Registrar of the High Court.
Madzikatidze was initially denied bail on March 2, 2026, and is facing two charges under Zimbabwean law.
The first relates to allegedly providing a broadcasting service without a licence, in contravention of Section 7(1), read with subsection 4(b), of the Broadcasting Services Act.
He is also facing a charge of cyberbullying as defined in Section 164B of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The case continues to draw attention amid ongoing debates around media regulation, digital rights and the treatment of journalists within Zimbabwe's legal system.
In a ruling delivered on March 23, 2026, Justice Muchawa upheld the earlier decision by Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, who had denied Madzikatidze bail earlier this month.
"Whereupon, after reading documents filed of record and hearing counsel, it is ordered that: … The appeal against refusal of bail is hereby dismissed," ruled Justice Muchawa.
However, the order was issued without accompanying reasons, prompting Madzikatidze's lawyer, Godwin Giya, to indicate that the defence team will formally request a detailed explanation from the Registrar of the High Court.
The first relates to allegedly providing a broadcasting service without a licence, in contravention of Section 7(1), read with subsection 4(b), of the Broadcasting Services Act.
He is also facing a charge of cyberbullying as defined in Section 164B of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The case continues to draw attention amid ongoing debates around media regulation, digital rights and the treatment of journalists within Zimbabwe's legal system.
Source - misa
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
