Journalist Madzikatidze bail ruling deferred to Friday
14 May, 2026
What happened
The High Court bail ruling for detained journalist Gideon Madzikatidze, which had been set for 13 May 2026, has been postponed to Friday, 15 May 2026.
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.
Thereafter, the court set the ruling for 11 May 2026. The ruling was then deferred to Wednesday, 13 May, and has now been further postponed to Friday, 15 May 2026.
This follows the dismissal of his bail application by Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo on 23 April 2026.
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].
Share this
SOS journalists hotline
If you are injured, detained or arrested ín the line of duty, call our 24/7 SOS journalist hotline on 0784 437 338 to access legal and/or medical assistance.
Don’t forget to have the number saved in your phone for emergencies!
Find out more about the hotline here.
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