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State opposes bail against journalist

24 Feb, 2026

What happened

The bail hearing for the detained Bulawayo24 journalist Gideon Madzikatidze began on 23 February 2026 at the Magistrates’ Court in Harare, with the State opposing bail.

The State led evidence from the investigating officer, Detective Inspector Nyazamba, and is opposing bail on two grounds:

  • That the accused is allegedly a flight risk, with the police claiming they had difficulty locating him.
  • The accused is facing serious offences.

The matter was postponed to Wednesday, 25 February 2026, for continuation of the bail hearing.

Madzikatidze, who was arrested on 18 February 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
Number affected:
1
Perpetrators:
Zimbabwe Republic Police
Types of actors:
State, Quasi-state
Location:
Harare