Call for Justice After Murder of Investigative Journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka
Watson Flexy Munyaka, a prominent investigative journalist in Zimbabwe, was murdered on March 17, 2024, after being thrown from a moving car. Reporters Without Borders condemned the act and urged a thorough investigation. Munyaka was a co-founder of “Dug Up,” focusing on corruption. His death highlights the violent challenges faced by journalists in Zimbabwe, compounded by a crackdown on critical media voices, exemplified by the detention of fellow journalist Blessed Mhlanga.
On March 17, 2024, investigative journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka was murdered after being violently thrown from a moving vehicle in Marondera, Zimbabwe. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned this brutal act and urgently called upon the authorities to ensure a comprehensive investigation is conducted to hold those responsible accountable for this heinous crime.
The discovery of Munyaka’s body in broad daylight marked an unprecedented violent event against journalists in Zimbabwe. Following the incident, he was taken to a hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His case highlights the dangerous climate faced by investigative journalists in the country.
Munyaka was a co-founder of “Dug Up,” a collective of independent journalists established in September 2024 that focuses on exposing corruption and crime in Zimbabwe. Maynard Manyowa, a senior producer at Dug Up, emphasized Munyaka’s pivotal role as a field reporter who facilitated in-depth investigations. Notably, just days prior to his death, the collective had published a controversial report regarding tensions within the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF).
Following the murder, an investigation was initiated by local police to uncover the motives and circumstances surrounding Munyaka’s death. RSF urged the authorities to actively pursue justice for the journalist, stating, “His heinous murder, which highlights the climate of violence faced by investigative journalists in Zimbabwe, must not go unpunished.”
From 2017 to 2019, Munyaka worked at Khuluma Afrika, where he notably reported on ivory poaching in Zimbabwe, and later hosted a segment on Power 987 FM, sharing insights on current events. During his tenure at Dug Up, he focused on several sensitive cases, including drug scandals and allegations surrounding a preacher selling fraudulent medical cures. These findings were slated for release on their YouTube channel in April 2024.
This violence against journalists reflects an increasing crackdown on criticism of the Zimbabwean government. Journalist Blessed Mhlanga from Alpha Media Holdings has been unjustly detained since February 25, 2024, accused of “inciting hatred” for his coverage of a critical press conference. According to the 2024 RSF World Press Freedom Index, Zimbabwe ranks 116th out of 180 countries and territories, indicating a concerning state of media freedom.
In conclusion, the tragic murder of Watson Flexy Munyaka underscores the grave risks faced by investigative journalists in Zimbabwe. His work was vital in exposing corruption and crime, and his untimely death raises alarm about the dangerous environment for those who dare to challenge authority. The urgent call from RSF emphasizes the need for an effective investigation into this crime, as well as a broader commitment to protecting journalistic freedom.
Original Source: rsf.org
