Journalist Madzikatidze’s application for refusal of further remand denied
3 Oct, 2026
What happened
On 30 September 2026, Bulawayo24 journalist Gideon Madzikatidze’s application to refuse further remand was denied when he appeared before Magistrate Elisha Mahuriro.
According to his lawyers, the court did not give reasons for its decision.
Thereafter, Madzikatidze’s lawyers successfully applied for variation of his bail conditions which was granted. He was previously required to report to the police every Friday, but will now report once every fortnight, on a Friday.
The matter was subsequently remanded to 29 October 2026 for a possible trial date.
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
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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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