Journalist Remanded in Custody Over Broadcasting, Cyberbullying Charges

HARARE – Journalist Gideon Madzikatidze, who is employed by online publication Bulawayo24, was on Friday remanded in custody until February 23, 2026, after appearing before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo facing charges of allegedly contravening the Broadcasting Services Act and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Madzikatidze was arrested on February 18, 2026, and detained at Harare Central Police Station. He appeared in court on February 20, where he was advised to apply for bail on Monday due to a heavy court roll.
The State charged him with contravening Section 7(1) as read with subsection 4(b) of the Broadcasting Services Act, which relates to providing a broadcasting service without a licence.
Prosecutors allege that between December 15 and 16, 2025, Madzikatidze unlawfully provided internet broadcasting services through the Bulawayo24 news website without the requisite broadcasting licence.
He is also facing a second charge of cyberbullying as defined under Section 164B of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
According to the State, during the same period in December 2025, Madzikatidze allegedly and intentionally used a computer or information system to publish a data message on the Bulawayo24 website claiming that the Geo Pomona boss bribes journalists and editors to evade scrutiny.
The prosecution alleges that the post was intended to intimidate, harass, bully and cause substantial emotional distress, and to degrade and humiliate Geo-Pomona Waste Management Company and its chief executive officer.
Defence lawyer Godwin Giya told the court that they could not immediately file a bail application due to the heavy roll. The matter was postponed to Monday, February 23, 2026, when the bail application is expected to be heard.
Madzikatidze remains in custody.

HARARE – Journalist Gideon Madzikatidze, who is employed by online publication Bulawayo24, was on Friday remanded in custody until February 23, 2026, after appearing before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo facing charges of allegedly contravening the Broadcasting Services Act and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Madzikatidze was arrested on February 18, 2026, and detained at Harare Central Police Station. He appeared in court on February 20, where he was advised to apply for bail on Monday due to a heavy court roll.
The State charged him with contravening Section 7(1) as read with subsection 4(b) of the Broadcasting Services Act, which relates to providing a broadcasting service without a licence.
Prosecutors allege that between December 15 and 16, 2025, Madzikatidze unlawfully provided internet broadcasting services through the Bulawayo24 news website without the requisite broadcasting licence.
He is also facing a second charge of cyberbullying as defined under Section 164B of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
According to the State, during the same period in December 2025, Madzikatidze allegedly and intentionally used a computer or information system to publish a data message on the Bulawayo24 website claiming that the Geo Pomona boss bribes journalists and editors to evade scrutiny.
The prosecution alleges that the post was intended to intimidate, harass, bully and cause substantial emotional distress, and to degrade and humiliate Geo-Pomona Waste Management Company and its chief executive officer.
Defence lawyer Godwin Giya told the court that they could not immediately file a bail application due to the heavy roll. The matter was postponed to Monday, February 23, 2026, when the bail application is expected to be heard.
Madzikatidze remains in custody.