CPJ welcomes release of Madzikatidze, urges withdrawal of charges

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has welcomed the release of Zimbabwean journalist Gideon Madzikatidze after he spent three months in detention over charges linked to his reporting on alleged corruption.

Madzikatidze, a reporter with online news outlet Bulawayo24News, was arrested on February 18 and charged with cyberbullying and broadcasting without a licence in connection with a story alleging bribery involving a local business. He was recently released but is due back in court on May 7 as the case continues.

CPJ said it was relieved by his release but called on Zimbabwean authorities to drop all charges against the journalist, arguing that the case represents an abuse of laws to target legitimate journalism.

"Zimbabwean authorities should not use licensing regulations or cybercrime provisions to censor or criminalize legitimate journalism," said CPJ Africa Director Angela Quintal. "Keeping a journalist in detention for more than a week over their reporting is a totally disproportionate response. Authorities should free Gideon Madzikatidze, drop all charges against him, and allow journalists to work without fear of arrest."

According to CPJ and legal representatives, Madzikatidze was detained over a December 2024 article published on Bulawayo24News alleging that senior officials at Geo Pomona Waste Management bribed journalists and editors to avoid scrutiny.

The charge sheet reportedly includes allegations under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for cyberbullying, which carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison, as well as charges under Section 7(1) of the Broadcasting Services Act relating to unlicensed broadcasting activities.

However, media freedom advocates have questioned the use of broadcasting legislation in the case, noting that the story was published online rather than on radio or television platforms.

A source familiar with the proceedings told CPJ, speaking on condition of anonymity, that it remains unclear why broadcasting provisions were applied to a digital publication.

Madzikatidze's lawyer, Godwin Giya, said the state has opposed bail in earlier proceedings, with delays reported due to the absence of a magistrate during a previous hearing.

"The state is opposing our bail, but we are back in court on Wednesday," Giya said.

The case has drawn renewed attention from press freedom organisations including the Media Institute of Southern Africa–Zimbabwe, which warn that the application of cybercrime and licensing laws to journalism could have a chilling effect on media freedom in the country.

Authorities, including police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi and legal representatives of Geo Pomona Waste Management, had not publicly responded to questions at the time of publication.

Bulawayo24News, where Madzikatidze works, is one of Zimbabwe's long-running independent online news platforms providing local and national coverage.