Published: 5 hours ago

Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai has dismissed an application for bail relaxation and temporary release by Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) editors Kholwani Nyathi and Faith Zaba, who are facing charges of insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Nyathi, AMH's editor-in-chief, and Zaba, editor of Zimbabwe Independent, had argued that their bail conditions were severely affecting their daily lives. Represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights' Nontokozo Dube-Tachiona, the editors also challenged the legal basis of the prosecution, citing the absence of authority from the Attorney-General to pursue the case.

"Section 34 of the code is clear. The National Prosecuting Authority can only initiate prosecution of persons accused of Chapter III crimes with the authority of the AG," Dube-Tachiona argued. "No such authority was sought or granted. My clients must therefore be unconditionally released."

Prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe requested more time to respond to the defence's application. Magistrate Kuhudzai subsequently postponed the matter to September 8 for determination, with the trial date set for September 26.

Nyathi and Zaba are accused of undermining the authority of, or insulting, the President through the satirical column Muckraker in Zimbabwe Independent's June 27–July 3, 2025 edition titled When You Become a Mafia State.
- newsday