Harare, (New Ziana) – Three journalists have appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on charges of extorting US$300 from Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights (ZICCO) ceo Tafadzwa Masembura.
The journalists – Desire Tshuma (Observer News), Gideon Madzikatidze, and Simbarashe Sithole (both from Bulawayo 24 News) – allegedly demanded money from Masembura to suppress a story accusing him of embezzling over US$20,000 and engaging in labor malpractice.
According to court proceedings, Tshuma first contacted Masembura via WhatsApp on April 15, 2025, demanding US$100 to kill the story.
Further payments were solicited during follow-up meetings.
The matter escalated when a draft article threatening publication was used as leverage for more money.
Suspecting extortion, Masembura reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), leading to the trio’s arrest.
They were each granted US$100 bail, and the case has been remanded as investigations continue.
New Ziana
