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March 18, 2025 – Zimbabwe –
On March 17, 2025, investigative journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka was found dead in Marondera, Zimbabwe, after being violently thrown from a moving vehicle. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a homicide investigation into the incident, which occurred in broad daylight along Fifth Street, near the Chicken Inn drive-through. Munyaka was rushed to Marondera Provincial Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Munyaka, aged 38, was a researcher for Dug Up, an investigative journalism collective focused on exposing corruption and crime in Zimbabwe. His recent work included reports on the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party and videos documenting internal tensions between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. These investigations were scheduled for release in April. Before Dug Up, Munyaka worked with Khuluma Afrika, where he notably exposed ivory poaching in the country.
Maynard Manyowa, senior producer at Dug Up, expressed deep concern over the circumstances of Munyaka’s death, noting that no valuables were taken from his body, suggesting that the murder may have been targeted due to his journalistic work. Manyowa described Munyaka as a vital part of their team, stating, “He was our man on the ground… an experienced researcher who knew how to conduct a thorough investigation”.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the murder, calling it a “heinous act” and urging the Zimbabwean authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. RSF emphasized that Munyaka’s investigations into sensitive issues such as corruption, drug trafficking, and poaching highlight the growing dangers faced by journalists in Zimbabwe.
The murder of Watson Flexy Munyaka underscores the escalating threats to press freedom in Zimbabwe. His death serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists dedicated to uncovering the truth in environments where freedom of expression is increasingly under siege.
Reference –
https://www.pindula.co.zw/2025/03/18/journalist-killed-in-marondera/
