The Murder of Watson Flexy Munyaka: A Grave Reminder of Dangers Faced by Journalists in Zimbabwe

Watson Flexy Munyaka, an investigative journalist in Zimbabwe, was murdered on 17 March 2025, drawing attention to the dangers faced by those exposing corruption. His work with the collective “Dug Up” was vital in scrutinizing governmental and business corruption. Reporters Without Borders condemned his murder and urged for a thorough investigation, highlighting the growing crackdowns on the press in Zimbabwe, where press freedom is critically limited.

Watson Flexy Munyaka, an investigative journalist in Zimbabwe, was murdered on 17 March 2025, after being violently thrown from a moving vehicle. His death exemplifies the increasing peril faced by journalists probing corruption. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has vehemently condemned Munyaka’s murder and has urged Zimbabwe’s authorities to ensure a comprehensive investigation that holds those accountable for this brutal act.

Munyaka’s body was discovered in a central neighborhood of Marondera, located southeast of Harare. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a hospital. An original member of the investigative journalism collective “Dug Up,” launched in September 2024, Munyaka was crucial for conducting thorough investigations into corruption and crime in Zimbabwe. “Watson was our man on the ground. He was the one who allowed us to conduct in-depth investigations in Zimbabwe,” stated Maynard Manyowa, the collective’s senior producer.

Recent work by “Dug Up” included a report on the ruling party, ZANU-PF, which featured videos illustrating tensions between the presidency and vice-presidency, uploaded to YouTube. Following the murder, police initiated an inquiry to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Munyaka’s death. Sadibou Marong, Director of RSF Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the importance of fighting corruption; he stated that Munyaka’s murder exemplifies the violent atmosphere facing investigative journalists in Zimbabwe and stated, “This heinous murder… must not go unpunished.”

Prior to founding “Dug Up,” Munyaka was affiliated with Khuluma Afrika, an investigative journalism center in Harare, where he reported on issues such as ivory poaching. He gained recognition as a guest on “Power 987 FM” in South Africa, where he discussed current events. While with “Dug Up,” he was set to unveil investigations involving Delish Nguwaya, a businessman entangled in a drug and corruption scandal, as well as Walter Magaya, a preacher linked to a fraudulent HIV cure.

This tragic incident underscores a troubling trend of heightened repression against journalists who dare to critique the government in Zimbabwe, manifested in the recent detention of Blessed Mhlanga, who has faced charges of inciting hatred for reporting on controversial topics. In the 2024 RSF World Press Freedom Index, Zimbabwe ranks 116th out of 180 countries, reflecting the ongoing struggles for journalistic integrity and freedom.

The murder of Watson Flexy Munyaka is a significant incident that highlights the escalating risks faced by journalists in Zimbabwe, particularly those scrutinizing powerful figures. It raises concerns regarding press freedom in the country, particularly as journalist Blessed Mhlanga continues to face legal threats for his work. Calls for justice and protection of journalists emphasize the urgent need to foster a safer environment for investigative reporting.

Original Source: ifex.org