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Faith Zaba, editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, was arrested on Tuesday, 2 July 2025, in connection with a satirical article published in the weekly newspaper, raising fresh concerns over press freedom and the government’s commitment to media reform.

The article, titled When You Become a Mafia State, appeared in the paper’s Muckraker column and was deemed by authorities to have “undermined the authority” of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Zaba voluntarily presented herself to police after State agents made repeated visits to the offices of her publisher, Alpha Media Holdings. She was detained overnight and is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

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The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) condemned the arrest, describing it as a direct attack on journalistic freedom. “Satirical commentary, whether critical or humorous, is protected speech and should not be criminalised,” the union said in a statement.

ZUJ expressed particular concern that Zaba, who is reportedly battling a serious illness, was held overnight despite medical confirmation of her condition. “This raises grave concerns about her health, safety, and the proportionality of the actions taken by law enforcement,” the union added.

The arrest comes just weeks after President Mnangagwa launched a new Media Policy promising to foster a free and tolerant media environment. ZUJ said the incident “runs counter to the spirit and commitments of this policy” and risks eroding public trust in the government’s reform agenda.

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