Calls for Justice Following the Murder of Investigative Journalist Watson Flexy Munyaka

Watson Flexy Munyaka, an investigative journalist in Zimbabwe, was murdered on March 17 after being thrown from a vehicle. Reporters Without Borders has called for extensive investigations into his death. Munyaka was integral to Dug Up, a journalistic collective focusing on corruption. His death highlights the growing violence against journalists, further intensified by governmental crackdowns on press freedom in Zimbabwe, which ranks 116th in the RSF World Press Freedom Index.

Watson Flexy Munyaka, an investigative journalist, tragically died on March 17 after being violently thrown from a moving vehicle in Marondera, Zimbabwe. His murder has drawn condemnation from Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which demands that the local authorities fully engage in bringing his killers to justice. The brutal circumstances of his death highlight an alarming trend of violence against journalists in the country.

Munyaka’s body was discovered in a central neighborhood, and he was pronounced dead shortly after being admitted to the hospital. He played a crucial role as one of the founders of Dug Up, a collective founded in September 2024 dedicated to unearthing corruption and crime in Zimbabwe. Maynard Manyowa, a senior producer for Dug Up, remarked on Munyaka’s invaluable contributions, emphasizing the importance of his investigative work.

The journalist had recently been involved in significant investigations, including looking into corruption within the ruling party, ZANU-PF, and exposing various internal conflicts through in-depth reports and videos posted online. In light of his murder, the police have initiated an investigation to clarify the circumstances and motives behind this egregious act against an individual dedicated to exposing corruption and crime.

Munyaka’s previous work includes investigating ivory poaching during his tenure with Khuluma Afrika from 2017 to 2019 and participating in discussions on South Africa’s Power 987 FM. After co-founding Dug Up, he delved into high-profile cases involving drug and corruption scandals, with plans for future publications addressing serious public interest issues.

This incident further illustrates the growing crackdown on press freedom in Zimbabwe, where dissenting voices, including journalists like Blessed Mhlanga, face harassment and detainment. Mhlanga was arrested for allegedly inciting hatred while covering a press conference critical of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Zimbabwe currently ranks 116th out of 180 in the 2024 RSF World Press Freedom Index, underscoring the perilous environment for journalists in the country.

The tragic murder of Watson Flexy Munyaka underscores the escalating violence against journalists in Zimbabwe, prompting urgent calls for thorough investigations by authorities. His dedication to independent journalism and his significant contributions to exposing corruption reflect the critical need for a safe and operational media environment. The broader implications of this case highlight the ongoing crackdown on press freedom and the serious repercussions faced by those who dare to speak out against governmental abuses.

Original Source: rsf.org