Faith Zaba Arrest Sparks National Outcry

Rutendo Mazhindu - ZimNow Reporter

Zimbabwe Independent editor Faith Zaba was arrested yesterday on allegations of undermining the authority of the President, sparking widespread condemnation from media groups and civil society.

Zaba, one of the country’s most experienced female journalists, was taken into custody by police following the publication of the satirical Muckraker column in the weekly newspaper.

Authorities accuse her of violating sections of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which criminalises insulting or undermining the President.

Her lawyer confirmed that Zaba faces charges under provisions that were previously declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court, which ruled that such laws violate the right to freedom of expression.

Zaba, who has worked in the media industry for over two decades, was appointed editor of The Zimbabwe Independent in 2019 and has previously held senior positions at publications including The Financial Gazette and The Standard.

Her arrest has been condemned by Gender and Media Connect (GMC) and other organisations, who said the incident threatens press freedom and sends a chilling message to journalists, particularly women in leadership.

“We strongly condemn the arrest of Faith Zaba, a senior female editor, for simply carrying out her professional duties,” said GMC National Director Patience Zirima.

“Women journalists already face unique challenges in the newsroom, and this arrest is a direct attack on media freedom and gender equality.”

Zaba’s detention follows similar arrests of other journalists, including reporter Blessed Mhlanga, who was arrested last year on similar allegations after publishing investigative articles on governance issues.

The Constitutional Court has previously ruled that criminalising criticism of the President suppresses freedom of expression and has a serious inhibiting effect on public debate and media operations.

GMC called for the immediate and unconditional release of Zaba, the dropping of all charges, and full respect for constitutional rights protecting media freedom and freedom of expression.

The organisation has also launched an online campaign under the hashtags #FreeFaith and #JournalismIsNotACrime, urging solidarity for Zaba and calling on authorities to uphold the Constitution.