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March 31, 2025 – Zimbabwe –
On March 17, 2025, Zimbabwean investigative journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka was murdered in Marondera, southeast of Harare. According to reports, Munyaka was violently thrown from a moving Toyota Fortuner in broad daylight along Fifth Street near the Chicken Inn drive-through. He was rushed to Marondera Provincial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Munyaka, 38, was a co-founder of “Dug Up,” an investigative journalism collective established in September 2024 to expose corruption and crime in Zimbabwe. He was known for his in-depth reporting and had recently been involved in high-profile investigations.
Colleagues and friends believe Munyaka’s murder was a targeted attack due to his journalistic work. Maynard Manyowa, a fellow journalist and associate at Dug Up, stated that no valuables were taken from Munyaka, suggesting the motive was not robbery. “Watson was our man on the ground,” Manyowa said, emphasizing Munyaka’s crucial role in their investigative efforts.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an investigation into the incident, treating it as a homicide. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the ongoing inquiry and appealed for public assistance in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Munyaka’s death.
International organizations have condemned the murder. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called on Zimbabwean authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice. RSF highlighted the unprecedented nature of the violence against an investigative journalist in Marondera and emphasized the need to protect press freedom in the country.
Munyaka’s death underscores the increasing risks faced by journalists in Zimbabwe, particularly those investigating corruption and holding power to account. His colleagues at Dug Up have expressed fear for their safety, noting the chilling effect such violence has on press freedom and the public’s right to information.
Reference –
Dug Up journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka killed … body dumped in Marondera
