Journalist Madzikatidze’s bail appeal dismissed
24 Mar, 2026
What happened
High Court judge Justice Muchawa on 23 March 2026 dismissed detained journalist Gideon Madzikatidze’s appeal against the refusal of bail by Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo.
“Whereupon, after reading documents filed of record and hearing counsel, it is ordered that: … The appeal against refusal of bail is hereby dismissed,” said Justice Muchawa.
Madzikatidze’s lawyer, Godwin Giya, said they would write to the Registrar of the High Court requesting the written reasons for the decision, as the order was issued without accompanying reasons.
background
Madzikatidze, who was denied bail by Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo on 2 March 2026, 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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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