Zimbabwe Independent editor Faith Zaba is returning to remand prison tonight after Magistrate Vakai Chikwekwe failed to deliver a ruling on her bail application.
Chikwekwe cited a lack of electricity at the courts, stating he was unable to type and finalize the judgement. As a result, Zaba will remain in custody until a new hearing date is set.
Zaba is facing charges of undermining the authority or insult of the President, a criminal offense under Zimbabwean law that has drawn repeated criticism from press freedom advocates for its vague and repressive nature.
Her arrest has sparked outcry from media watchdogs and civil society, who view the case as part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism in Zimbabwe.
Zaba’s legal team expressed frustration over the delay, calling it a violation of due process and her fundamental rights. “The justice system cannot be held hostage by infrastructure failures,” one of her lawyers said.
Faith Zaba, a seasoned journalist with decades in the profession, has been a prominent voice in Zimbabwean media, known for her investigative reporting and fearless commentary on governance and corruption.
The Zimbabwe Independent has not released an official statement yet, but media unions and press freedom groups are expected to stage demonstrations or issue petitions in the coming days.
