Bail ruling tomorrow for Zimbabwe Independent editor

Magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe on 3 July 2025 postponed the bail ruling to tomorrow in the case of detained Zimbabwe Independent editor Faith Zaba, citing a power outage at the Magistrates Court in Harare. 

According to NewsDay, the power cut that plunged the entire building into darkness occurred after both the State and defence had concluded their submissions, with Magistrate Chikwekwe subsequently expected to deliver his ruling.

Zaba was arrested on 1 July 2025 on allegations of undermining or insulting the President in a satirical column published in the weekly’s Muckraker column last Friday.

At the hearing stage, the State did not oppose bail, with prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawo citing medical records presented by the defence.

“We have no compelling reasons to warrant the State to oppose bail and we propose conditions that this court may consider in and when the court is inclined,” Jambawo reportedly said.

Zaba’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, applied for bail with conditions, citing her poor health.

“It is regrettable that the police couldn’t allow her to go home after the warned and cautioned statement. But the fact that she walked in shows her commendable character. Citizens who honour and respect authorities ought to be spared from the harsh realities of prison,” Mhike reportedly said.