Journalist remanded in custody

Journalist Gideon Madzikatidze, employed by the online publication Bulawayo24, was remanded in custody on 20 February 2026 until 23 February 2026 on charges of allegedly contravening sections of the Broadcasting Services Act and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

 Madzikatidze, who appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo, was arrested and detained at Harare Central Police Station on 18 February 2026. 

He 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 is defined in Section 164B of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].

The State alleges that between 15 and 16 December 2025, the accused unlawfully “did” internet broadcasting services through a Bulawayo24 news website … without a broadcasting licence.

On the second count, it is alleged that between 15 and 16 December 2025, Madzikatidze unlawfully and intentionally, by means of a computer or information system, posted on electronic media a data message stating that the Geo Pomona boss bribes journalists and editors to evade scrutiny. 

The data message was allegedly posted on the Bulawayo24 internet news website.

The State alleges that the intent was to intimidate, harass, bully, and cause substantial emotional distress, and to degrade and humiliate the Geo-Pomona Waste Management Company and its chief executive officer.

His lawyer, Godwin Giya, said they could not immediately apply for bail due to the heavy roll before the court. The bail application will be heard on Monday, 23 February 2026.