Journalist Madzikatidze’s matter postponed to August
22 Jul, 2026
What happened
On 17 July 2026, Bulawayo24 journalist Gideon Madzikatidze appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo to set a trial date, but the matter was postponed to 20 August 2026.
The State was again not ready to proceed, as the cyber report in the matter remains outstanding.
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:
journalist Gideon Madzikatidze
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