Journalist Madzikatidze case postponed to July
25 Jun, 2026
What happened
On 23 June 2026, Bulawayo24 journalist Gideon Madzikatidze appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo to set a trial date, but the case was postponed to 17 July 2026.
The State indicated it was not yet ready to proceed because the cyber report on the matter is still outstanding.
Madzikatidze, who is out on bail, 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].
MISA's position
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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:
Bulawayo24 journalist Gideon Madzikatidze
Bulawayo24 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