Murder of Journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka Calls for Urgent Action in Zimbabwe
Investigative journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka was murdered on March 17 in Zimbabwe after being thrown from a moving vehicle, prompting Reporters Without Borders (RSF) to call for a thorough investigation. Munyaka was a vital figure in exposing corruption as part of the independent journalism collective Dug Up. This violent act reflects a disturbing trend against media freedom in Zimbabwe, compounded by heightened repression of journalists.
Investigative journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka tragically passed away on March 17 after being violently thrown from a moving vehicle in Marondera, Zimbabwe. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned this violent act and urged the local authorities to conduct an exhaustive investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. This incident reflects a disturbing increase in violence against journalists in the region.
Munyaka’s lifeless body was discovered in a central area of Marondera, southeast of Harare. He was urgently transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Munyaka was a founding member of Dug Up, an independent journalistic collective established in September 2024, dedicated to uncovering corruption in Zimbabwe. According to Maynard Manyowa, senior producer for Dug Up, “Watson was our man on the ground, allowing us to conduct in-depth investigations.”
Just prior to his murder, Dug Up published critical reports regarding the ruling party, the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), and exposed internal conflicts within its leadership on their YouTube channel. The authorities launched an investigation on the day of Munyaka’s death to clarify the motives behind the murder. RSF emphasized that ongoing violence against journalists must face accountability and urged the police to thoroughly resolve the case.
Throughout his career, Munyaka effectively spotlighted pressing issues including ivory poaching and high-profile corruption scandals linked to significant figures in Zimbabwe. He previously worked as a journalist for Khuluma Afrika, based in Harare, and appeared as a guest on Power 987 FM to discuss current affairs. Recent investigations by Munyaka had targeted controversial individuals, including businessman Delish Nguwaya and preacher Walter Magaya.
This incident underscores a broader trend of repression against media freedom in Zimbabwe, evidenced by the ongoing detention of journalists such as Blessed Mhlanga, who has been wrongfully accused of inciting hatred for his coverage of a controversial press conference. Currently, Zimbabwe stands at 116th place in the 2024 RSF World Press Freedom Index, indicating systemic challenges faced by journalists in their quest for truth and transparency.
The tragic death of Watson Flexy Munyaka highlights the perilous climate for investigative journalists in Zimbabwe. Reports indicate a systematic crackdown on media freedom, as demonstrated by the violence against Munyaka and the detention of his peers. It is imperative for authorities to undertake a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and uphold the sanctity of press freedom. Without addressing these violations, the climate of fear will continue to stifle journalistic inquiry in Zimbabwe.
Original Source: rsf.org
