Zimbabwe: Journalist Arrested Under Cyber and Data Protection Act

February 25, 2025 – Zimbabwe – 

Zimbabwean journalist Blessed “Dhara” Mhlanga was arrested under the country’s Cyber and Data Protection Act (CDPA), marking a significant moment as the first high-profile case using this law against a journalist. Mhlanga, a senior reporter with Heart and Soul Television (HStv), was charged with broadcasting press conferences featuring a war veteran who publicly criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa and called for his resignation. The charges accuse Mhlanga of transmitting data messages that incited violence or damage to property.

The CDPA, enacted in 2021, consolidates several laws related to cybersecurity and data protection. Section 164 of the law criminalizes the transmission of data messages deemed to incite violence or damage. Critics argue the law’s broad language allows authorities to suppress free speech and intimidate journalists. Mhlanga’s arrest is viewed as part of a growing pattern of legal actions used to silence media voices critical of the government.

Mhlanga surrendered to police after an announcement that he was being sought, and was charged with two counts of contravening Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. His legal team has challenged the arrest, arguing it violates constitutional protections for freedom of expression and media freedom. Local and international press freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have condemned the arrest and called for all charges to be dropped.

This case highlights the tension between Zimbabwe’s efforts to regulate digital communication and protect national security versus safeguarding journalists’ rights to report freely. In past cases, similar laws have been used to target editors and reporters, raising concerns about the misuse of legal tools for political repression.

Press freedom advocates urge reform of the CDPA to prevent it from being weaponized against journalists. The outcome of Mhlanga’s case could set an important precedent for media freedom in Zimbabwe, impacting how laws governing online expression are enforced and interpreted going forward. The international community continues to watch closely, concerned about the future of independent journalism in the country.

Reference – 

https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-local-byo-222281.html

Zimbabwe Makes First Cyber & Data Protection Act Arrest – Journalist Detained for Broadcasting Press Conferences