The Murder of Watson Flexy Munyaka: A Tragic Reminder of the Dangers for Journalists in Zimbabwe
Watson Flexy Munyaka, an investigative journalist in Zimbabwe, was brutally murdered on March 17, leading to calls from Reporters Without Borders for a thorough investigation. His work exposed corruption, including drug trafficking and poaching. His death highlights the dangers journalists face and the current crackdown on media freedom in the country.
The murder of investigative journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka on March 17 has drawn attention to the perilous environment for journalists in Zimbabwe who expose corruption. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned this brutal act, urging the authorities to thoroughly investigate and ensure that those responsible face justice. Munyaka’s death underscores the extreme violence directed at investigative journalists in the nation.
His body was discovered in a central area of Marondera, southeast of Harare, where he was violently ejected from a moving vehicle. He was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Munyaka was a co-founder of Dug Up, a collective dedicated to independent investigative journalism, established in September 2024, focusing on corruption and crime in Zimbabwe.
Maynard Manyowa, senior producer at Dug Up, stated, “Watson was our man on the ground. He was the one who allowed us to conduct in-depth investigations in Zimbabwe.” Just before his death, the organization released a report on the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), highlighting internal conflicts within the party.
On the same day as Munyaka’s death, police initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this crime. RSF emphasized that the journalist was involved in sensitive public interest cases, including drug trafficking and poaching. Sadibou Marong, Director of RSF Sub-Saharan Africa, noted the crucial need for the police to uncover the truth and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Previously, Munyaka worked for Khuluma Afrika, an investigative journalism center in Harare, where he highlighted issues such as ivory poaching. His recent investigations included allegations against businessman Delish Nguwaya and controversial preacher Walter Magaya. These investigations were poised for publication in April on Dug Up’s YouTube channel.
His murder reflects a broader pattern of violence against journalists in Zimbabwe during an intensifying crackdown on dissent. Another journalist, Blessed Mhlanga, has been imprisoned for allegedly “inciting hatred” following his coverage of a press conference critical of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This situation is alarming, as Zimbabwe ranks 116th out of 180 countries in the 2024 RSF World Press Freedom Index.
The tragic murder of Watson Flexy Munyaka exemplifies the escalating risks faced by journalists in Zimbabwe, particularly those investigating matters of corruption. As authorities are urged to conduct a thorough investigation, the broader implications for press freedom in the country cannot be overlooked. The violent suppression of truth-telling by the state raises grave concerns about the future of independent journalism and the safety of those who challenge power.
Original Source: ifex.org
