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Journalist Madhuku briefly detained by Harare Municipal Police

14 Oct, 2026

What happened

On 14 October 2026, freelance journalist Thomas Madhuku was reportedly briefly detained and held in a truck by the Harare Municipal Police.

 

According to Madhuku, this came after the municipal police questioned him about why he was recording a video of them confiscating wares from vendors in Harare’s central business district.

 

He produced his Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) accreditation card to confirm he was a journalist. However, they still shoved him into their truck. He was only freed after about 20 minutes.

   

 

 

MISA's position

MISA Zimbabwe urges the responsible authorities and other critical stakeholders to uphold the right to freedom of the media and citizens’ right to access information, as espoused in our Constitution.

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.

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Those affected:
Freelance journalist Thomas Madhuk
Number affected:
1
Perpetrators:
Harare Municipal Police.
Types of actors:
Non-state
Location:
Harare