Faith Zaba, editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, a privately-owned weekly newspaper, has been arrested following the publication of a satirical article that state authorities claim undermines the authority of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The article, titled “When you become a mafia state,” appeared in the paper’s popular Muckraker column last week and reportedly drew the ire of law enforcement. Zaba voluntarily reported to the police after repeated visits by state security agents to the offices of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), the newspaper’s publisher. She was taken into custody and spent the night in police cells ahead of a scheduled court appearance on Wednesday.
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) issued a strong statement condemning the arrest, calling it a clear attempt to criminalize journalism and restrict freedom of expression.
“We are deeply concerned by the detention of Faith Zaba over a satirical piece, which falls well within the scope of journalistic commentary,” said ZUJ. “Satire is a protected form of speech and should not be met with arrest or intimidation.”
The union also expressed alarm over Zaba’s health condition, noting that she suffers from a serious illness and should not have been held overnight given medical evidence presented to authorities.
“This action runs contrary to the Media Policy recently launched by President Mnangagwa, which promises to promote openness and press freedom,” ZUJ added. “Such arrests risk eroding public trust in the government’s stated commitment to media reform.”
ZUJ has called for Zaba’s immediate and unconditional release, reaffirming its commitment to defend the rights of journalists and uphold press freedom in Zimbabwe.
Zaba’s arrest has sparked growing concern among media professionals and civil society, with many warning that such incidents could undermine the country’s democratic and legal commitments to freedom of expression.
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