Journalist Madzikatidze denied bail 3 times

Detained journalist Gideon Madzikatidze remains in custody after being denied bail for a third time, prolonging his pretrial detention since his arrest on February 17.

Madzikatidze, a reporter with Bulawayo24, first applied for bail at the magistrates' court, where his request was rejected. A subsequent application at the High Court was also unsuccessful. His latest bid, based on changed circumstances and filed again at the magistrates' court, has now been dismissed.

He is expected to approach the High Court once more in a renewed attempt to secure release.

The journalist faces charges of allegedly providing a broadcasting service without a licence under the Broadcasting Services Act, as well as cyberbullying under Zimbabwe's Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The case stems from a December article in which he accused executives at Geo Pomona Waste Management of bribing journalists and editors to avoid scrutiny.

If convicted, Madzikatidze could face up to 10 years in prison on the cyberbullying charge, in addition to penalties under broadcasting laws.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on authorities to release Madzikatidze, warning against the use of legal provisions to suppress journalism.

"Zimbabwean authorities should not use licensing regulations or cybercrime provisions to censor or criminalize legitimate journalism," said Angela Quintal.

She added that prolonged detention over journalistic work is a disproportionate response and urged authorities to drop the charges.

Madzikatidze's lawyer, Godwin Giya, has previously indicated that the state has consistently opposed bail in all applications.

The case continues amid growing scrutiny from media rights groups, with concerns that it could set a precedent for how journalism-related offences are handled in Zimbabwe.