Murder of Watson Flexy Munyaka: A Grave Threat to Journalistic Integrity in Zimbabwe

Watson Flexy Munyaka, a Zimbabwean investigative journalist, was murdered on March 17, 2025, after being thrown from a moving vehicle. His death has raised alarms regarding the violence faced by journalists exposing corruption in the country. His collective, Dug Up, had recently published critical reports on political corruption. RSF calls for a thorough investigation into his murder, emphasizing the need for justice and protection of press freedom in Zimbabwe.

Watson Flexy Munyaka, an investigative journalist in Zimbabwe, was tragically murdered on March 17, 2025. He was violently thrown from a moving vehicle in broad daylight, and subsequently pronounced dead at the hospital. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned this brutal act, advocating for a thorough investigation into his murder and accountability for those responsible.

Munyaka co-founded “Dug Up,” a collective focused on independent investigative journalism, which commenced operations in September 2024 to expose corruption in Zimbabwe. His commitment to in-depth reporting made him an invaluable asset to the team, as articulated by Maynard Manyowa, senior producer at Dug Up. Prior to this, Munyaka had reported extensively on corruption, most notably regarding the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF).

The police launched an official investigation on the same day as his death, aiming to uncover the motives behind this violent act. RSF emphasized the importance of addressing the climate of insecurity faced by journalists in Zimbabwe, urging police to unveil the truth behind Munyaka’s murder and pursue justice fervently.

Munyaka’s previous work included highlighting significant issues like ivory poaching, and his investigations often targeted high-profile scandals. His work included critical exposes of figures like Delish Nguwaya and Walter Magaya, both of whom were implicated in nefarious activities during the pandemic. These investigations were set to be published in April 2025 on Dug Up’s YouTube channel.

This incident underscores an alarming trend of growing oppression against journalists in Zimbabwe. The ongoing detention of journalist Blessed Mhlanga, arrested for purportedly inciting hatred, reflects a larger crackdown on dissent against the government. As of 2024, Zimbabwe ranks 116th on the RSF World Press Freedom Index, indicating significant challenges to freedom of expression in the country.

The tragic murder of Watson Flexy Munyaka serves as a stark reminder of the escalating dangers faced by investigative journalists in Zimbabwe. His death, following his critical work in exposing corruption and crime, calls for urgent action from the authorities to ensure justice is served. Furthermore, it highlights the ongoing crackdown on press freedom and critical voices in the region, which demonstrates the need for protective measures for journalists.

Original Source: ifex.org