HARARE – Zimbabwe Independent newspaper editor Faith Zaba’s bail ruling has been delayed to Friday after the magistrate court experienced a power cut that also affected the capital city.
Zaba is facing charges of undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Magistrate Vakai Chikwekwe said the ruling has been delayed because he could not type the ruling on the computer because of an electricity cut.
Zaba spent two nights in jail following her arrest on Monday and this Thursday will be her third night behind bars.
She faces charges of allegedly “undermining the authority” of Mnangagwa stemming from an article published under the paper’s weekly satirical column called Muckraker.
The piece in question is titled “When you become a mafia state” was published on June 27.
She has been charged under Section 33 (2)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Chris Mhike, a prominent Harare lawyer is representing her.
Amnesty International Zimbabwe branch condemned the detention of Zaba.
”Amnesty International strongly condemns the arrest and detention of Faith Zaba for exercising her constitutionally guaranteed rights as a journalist. This is an assault on the right to freedom of expression and press freedom,” Amnesty Zimbabwe said.
”Zimbabwean authorities must immediately release Faith Zaba and drop all charges against her, as she is detained simply for doing her job. Authorities must allow journalists to carry out their work freely, safely, and without fear of harassment, intimidation, or reprisals.”
Zaba is a second journalist to be arrested in recent months after Blessed Mhlanga from the same stable, Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) was detained in the past months.
Mhlanga spent over two months in remand prison. He is facing charges of transmitting messages that incite violence.