subjected to restrictive bail conditions. These cases reveal that in Zimbabwe, arrests, prolonged
remands, and the looming threat of harsh penalties are used less to secure convictions than to
intimidate and exhaust journalists. Even where constitutional protections for press freedom exist,
the daily reality has been one of harassment, delayed justice, and an environment where doing
journalism amounts to navigating constant legal and physical danger.
The Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07], also shows that Zimbabwe’s hostility
towards journalists has simply evolved, not disappeared. The Act has created new fronts of
vulnerability. Just this year, journalist Blessed Mhlanga was arrested and charged under Section
164 of the Act, allegedly for distributing data messages with intent to incite violence. This
provision is broad and carries a malicious intent to tame journalists. Furthermore, Section 164C
of the Act criminalizes the transmission of false information, this section is vague and prone to
misinterpretation. It revives criminal defamation, which was outlawed in the case of Madhanire
& Anor v The Attorney General 2015 (1) ZLR 719 (CC). The Act, therefore, is a straitjacket that
confines journalists, making their environment hostile. In Zimbabwe, proper journalism is
increasingly treated as if it were a crime.
During the March 31 protests, documented an incident in which a journalist Canaan Rusike was
detained by police for nearly six hours on 31 March 2025 while conducting street interviews
about planned demonstrations in Harare, despite presenting his Zimbabwe Media Commission
accreditation card. He was eventually released without charge. The same day, nine other
accredited journalists were similarly rounded up and briefly detained while covering protests
near the Harare Magistrates Courts, only being released after their credentials were verified.
These incidents reflect a pattern of persecution and disregard for press freedom, where
journalists performing their lawful duties are treated as suspects, highlighting the authorities’
lack of prioritisation of the protection of freedom of expression and a broader environment of
intimidation against the media.
In June 2025, ZPP documented nine violations of freedom of expression, highlighting a
disturbing pattern of persecution against the media. A particularly concerning incident occurred
on 2 June, when the Media Centre offices in Masvingo were vandalised by suspected state
security agents. This attack followed the publication of an investigative exposé revealing illegal
gold mining near Masvingo City Council’s water reservoirs, allegedly involving the Minister of
State for Provincial Affairs and other senior officials. Staff members reported ongoing
surveillance, intimidation, and threats, with some forced into hiding, demonstrating a clear
attempt to suppress investigative journalism and undermine press freedom. These actions reflect
a deliberate strategy to chill freedom of expression, signaling that critical reporting on public
officials carries the risk of harassment, attacks, and censorship.