Faith Zaba, the editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, was arrested on 1 July 2025 by the police over a satirical article that mocked President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zimbabwe’s recent assumption of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairmanship, describing the regional bloc as a “trade union of dictators.” She was charged with “undermining the authority or insulting the President” under the country’s criminal law provisions.
Faith Zaba is the Editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, a leading weekly business and investigative newspaper in Zimbabwe. She has held this position since November 2019, becoming the first female editor of the publication. She is recognized for her extensive experience in journalism, media freedom advocacy, and leadership in the newsroom. Under her editorship, the Zimbabwe Independent has gained prominence for its critical and investigative reporting
Before her arrest, officers made several attempts to apprehend her at her workplace. Zaba later voluntarily surrendered herself to the police, accompanied by her lawyer. Despite medical confirmation of her severe illness at the time, the police detained her overnight.
She spent the night in custody and was scheduled to appear in court early the next day. Her lawyer and press freedom groups condemned the arrest as an intimidation tactic and a violation of press freedom. The arrest is seen as part of a disturbing pattern of suppression against independent journalism in Zimbabwe, following similar incidents earlier this year.
Faith Zaba is a seasoned journalist and editor with extensive experience in political reporting and media freedom advocacy, currently leading the Zimbabwe Independent. Her arrest highlights the escalating tensions between independent media and the Zimbabwean government under President Mnangagwa, whose administration has been criticized for increasing authoritarianism and repression of dissent despite earlier promises of democratic reforms.
As of the morning following her arrest, Faith Zaba remains in custody pending her court appearance, with her legal team actively advocating for her release on medical and legal grounds. The case is expected to attract significant local and international attention as a barometer of media freedom and political expression in Zimbabwe.
