Bail ruling for detained journalist set for Friday 

The bail ruling in the case of detained journalist Gideon Madzikatidze, employed by Bulawayo24, will be delivered on Friday, 27 February 2026, at the Magistrates’ Court in Harare.

Magistrate Ruth Moyo reserved her ruling for Friday when Madzikatidze appeared in court on 25 February 2026 for the continuation of his bail hearing, which concluded with both the State and the defence presenting their closing submissions on bail.

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].

The State alleges that between 15 and 16 December 2025, the accused unlawfully “did” internet broadcasting services through a Bulawayo24 news website … without a broadcasting licence.

On the second count, it is alleged that between 15 and 16 December 2025, Madzikatidze unlawfully and intentionally, by means of a computer or information system, posted on electronic media a data message stating that the Geo Pomona boss bribes journalists and editors to evade scrutiny. 

The State alleges the intent was to intimidate, harass, bully and cause substantial emotional distress, and degrade and humiliate the Geo-Pomona Waste Management Company and its chief executive officer.