Harare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwean media fraternity is reeling this week following the dramatic detention of Bulawayo24’s own Gideon Madzikatidze. On February 20, 2026, what began as a routine day for the investigative reporter ended in a courtroom, where he was remanded in custody—a move that has sparked instant outrage across the country.
Madzikatidze’s arrest stems from his reporting on alleged bribery within Geo Pomona Waste Management, a company embroiled in a controversial multi-million dollar waste-to-energy deal with the Zimbabwean government.
Geo Pomona Waste Management, fronted by businessman Dilesh Nguwaya, has been at the center of public scrutiny due to a contentious US$160 million waste-to-energy concession agreement. The deal, which took effect on November 25, 2024, mandates the Harare City Council to pay Geo Pomona approximately US$2.7 million per month, totaling a staggering minimum of US$162 million over five years.
Critics, including residents’ associations and media outlets, have labeled the agreement as “shameful” and “corrupt,” alleging that it is designed to siphon public funds to a company with strong links to the ruling elite. Dilesh Nguwaya, the chairman and CEO of Geo Pomona, has been previously acquitted of charges related to a US$60 million COVID-19 procurement scandal in 2020.
The deal has been criticized for its lack of transparency, with allegations that the City of Harare was coerced into the agreement, and that the financial burden ultimately falls on the ratepayers.
The Charges Against Madzikatidze
Madzikatidze was arrested on February 18, 2026, and appeared before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo. He faces two primary charges:
1. Contravening Section 7 (1) as read with subsection 4 (b) of the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06]: This charge alleges that Madzikatidze provided an internet broadcasting service through the Bulawayo24 news website without a broadcasting license between December 15 and 16, 2025.
2. Cyberbullying as defined in Section 164B of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]: The State alleges that during the same period, Madzikatidze unlawfully and intentionally posted a data message on the Bulawayo24 website stating that the Geo Pomona boss bribes journalists and editors to evade scrutiny.
The prosecution claims this was done with the intent to intimidate, harass, bully, and cause substantial emotional distress, and to degrade and humiliate Geo-Pomona Waste Management Company and its chief executive officer.
His lawyer, Godwin Giya, stated that a bail application could not be immediately heard due to a heavy court roll and was scheduled for February 23, 2026.
This case highlights growing concerns about press freedom in Zimbabwe. Organizations like the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) have consistently advocated for the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression and access to information.
Zimbabwe’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index, while showing a modest improvement to 106th out of 180 countries in 2025, still indicates significant challenges for journalists.
The application of the Broadcasting Services Act and the Cyber and Data Protection Act against journalists has been a point of contention. Critics argue that these laws are increasingly being used to stifle dissent and punish investigative reporting, creating a chilling effect on the media.
Human Rights Watch reported in 2026 that the Zimbabwean government continued its crackdown on dissent, with journalists facing intimidation, harassment, threats, and arbitrary arrests.
The charges against Madzikatidze, particularly the cyberbullying accusation, raise serious questions about the government’s interpretation and application of laws designed to regulate broadcasting and online conduct.
The essence of journalism often involves scrutinizing powerful entities and reporting on allegations of corruption, which can be perceived as critical or even defamatory by those in power.
The use of cyberbullying charges in such a context can be seen as an attempt to silence journalists and prevent them from holding powerful individuals and corporations accountable.
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