Investigative journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka was murdered on March 17 after being thrown from a vehicle in Marondera, Zimbabwe. Reporters Without Borders has condemned the violence and called for a thorough police investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Munyaka was known for his corruption investigations and was a founder of the independent collective Dug Up. His death illuminates the escalating threats against journalists in Zimbabwe amidst a crackdown on dissent.
On March 17, investigative journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka was found murdered after being violently ejected from a moving vehicle in Marondera, Zimbabwe. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) vehemently condemned this brutal act and urged the Zimbabwean authorities to ensure a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for this crime.
Munyaka’s body was discovered in a central area of Marondera, southeast of Harare. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after being taken to the hospital. An influential figure in the fight against corruption, he was one of the founders of the independent journalism collective, Dug Up, which aims to investigate crime and malfeasance within Zimbabwe.
Prior to his death, Munyaka had contributed significantly to exposing sensitive issues, notably through a recent Dug Up report focusing on internal party tensions within ZANU-PF. “Watson was our man on the ground. He was the one who allowed us to conduct in-depth investigations in Zimbabwe,” stated Maynard Manyowa, senior producer of Dug Up.
Following the incident, police initiated an inquiry to understand the motivations and circumstances surrounding Munyaka’s murder. RSF emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for this heinous crime as it underscores the dangers faced by investigative journalists in Zimbabwe, who take on sensitive topics such as corruption and drug trafficking.
Munyaka’s investigative career included his tenure with Khuluma Afrika where he reported on detrimental activities like ivory poaching. He had also analyzed current events on Power 987 FM and was set to release further investigative reports through Dug Up’s YouTube channel in April, encompassing controversial subjects linked to prominent figures involved in corruption scandals.
His murder showcases the increasing hostility towards journalists challenging the authorities in Zimbabwe. This situation is exacerbated by the detention of Blessed Mhlanga, another journalist charged with “inciting hatred” for covering a controversial press event. Notably, Zimbabwe ranks 116th out of 180 countries in the 2024 RSF World Press Freedom Index, indicating a significant decline in press freedoms within the nation.
In conclusion, the murder of Watson Flexy Munyaka represents a grave escalation of violence against journalists in Zimbabwe, prompting urgent calls for justice from RSF. His work in exposing corruption and crime underscores the risks faced by investigative reporters. Additionally, this incident reflects the broader patterns of suppression against dissent in the country, further highlighting the critical need for the protection of press freedoms and journalistic integrity.
Original Source: rsf.org
