Madzikatidze granted bail

Journalist Gideon Madzikatidze, who is employed by Bulawayo24, has been granted bail by the High Court in Harare following a successful appeal based on changed circumstances.

The ruling was handed down on May 15, 2026, by High Court judge Rodgers Manyangadze.

Madzikatidze had been in custody since his arrest on February 18, 2026. He approached the High Court seeking bail after the State allegedly failed to provide a trial date following the dismissal of his earlier bail application at the Magistrates Court.

On April 23, 2026, Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo dismissed his application for bail pending trial.

In granting bail, the High Court accepted arguments that there had been changed circumstances, particularly the continued delay in setting a trial date.

Under the bail conditions, Madzikatidze was ordered to deposit US$500 with the Magistrates Court, surrender his passport to the Clerk of Court, refrain from interfering with investigations or witnesses, and continue residing at his given address until the matter is finalised.

Madzikatidze is facing two criminal charges.

The first charge relates to allegedly contravening provisions of the Broadcasting Services Act by allegedly providing a broadcasting service without a licence.

He is also facing a cyberbullying charge under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The matter remains before the courts pending trial.