ZOCC Reports Podcaster Ollah7 to ZMC Over Chivayo Funeral Restrictions on Journalists

Harare — The Zimbabwe Online Content Creators (ZOCC) has formally reported popular podcaster Owen Madondo, known as DJ Ollah7, to the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), accusing him of obstructing accredited journalists and independent digital publishers from covering the funeral of businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 5, ZOCC said it had received multiple complaints that Madondo instructed security personnel to remove or deny access to journalists and online content creators at the funeral proceedings.

The association alleged that while these practitioners were blocked, Madondo’s own production team and selected media organisations, including state outlets, were allowed to continue working.

ZOCC described the alleged conduct as “highly unprofessional and obstructive,” accusing Madondo of pursuing a “calculated, anticompetitive and archaic strategy designed to monopolise coverage of a public interest event.”

The group said it engaged Chivayo family Spokesperson, Herbert Chivayo, after receiving the complaints.

ZOCC said Herbert Chivayo confirmed that all journalists and content creators were welcome and formally invited to provide unrestricted coverage.

The organisation stressed that the restrictions were particularly unacceptable because Chivayo had been accorded provincial hero status, elevating the funeral to an event of significant public interest involving government officials and other prominent figures.

ZOCC cited Section 61 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the media, and called on the ZMC to investigate the claims and take appropriate action, including possible sanctions.

“ZOCC hereby issues a formal warning to Mr. Owen Madondo (Ollah7) to immediately cease and desist from interfering with, intimidating, or obstructing any journalist or digital content creator from performing their professional duties,” the association stated.

It also urged event coordinators, security personnel and media stakeholders to respect journalists’ right to work and to foster an open environment supporting media pluralism for both traditional and digital practitioners.

Madondo has separately defended his extensive presence at the Chivayo family home in Gletwyn, Harare, stating that the family appointed him as its official media partner.

His platforms provided livestreams, interviews and regular updates throughout the mourning period.

Chivayo, a high-profile controversial businessman and philanthropist, and his wife Lucy “Lulu” Muteke died alongside three others in a helicopter crash near Marondera on 30 September.

Their funeral proceedings drew intense public attention, with the remains transported through Harare’s central business district and lying in state at the family home before burial on Thursday, 8 October, at Sahwira Glen Forest Memorial Park.

The event attracted large crowds, government officials, business leaders, church figures and entertainers.