Journalist Madzikatidze High Court bail ruling tomorrow
13 May, 2026
What happened
The bail ruling for detained journalist Gideon Madzikatidze, which had initially been set for 11 May 2026 in the High Court in Harare, has been deferred to tomorrow.
Madzikatidze, who is employed by Bulawayo24, is seeking bail on the basis of changed circumstances following the State’s failure to provide a trial date. The matter was heard before High Court judge Justice Rodgers Manyangadze on 8 May 2026 for arguments.
The court then postponed the matter to Monday, 11 May 2026, for a ruling. However, the matter was deferred to Wednesday, 13 May 2026, as the ruling was not yet ready.
This follows Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo’s dismissal of his bail application on 23 April 2026.
In a separate development, Madzikatidze appeared on routine remand at the Magistrates’ Court in Harare on 11 May 2026. The matter was postponed to 27 May 2026 to set a trial date.
MISA's position
background
Madzikatidze is facing two charges:
Contravening Section 7 (1) as read with subsection 4 (b) of the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06] (providing a broadcasting service without a licence).
Cyberbullying as defined in Section 164B of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
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About MISA
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.
Latest media violations
Those affected:
journalist Gideon Madzikatidze
journalist Gideon Madzikatidze
Number affected:
1
1
Perpetrators:
Zimbabwe Republic Police
Zimbabwe Republic Police
Types of actors:
State, Quasi-state
State, Quasi-state
Location:
Harare
Harare