ZUJ condemns arrest of DJ Ollah 7, calls for review of Cyber Security law

HARARE — The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has strongly condemned the arrest of media personality Owen Madondo, also known as DJ Ollah 7, labeling it as a blatant attack on press freedom and the free flow of information. The journalists’ body has demanded his immediate and unconditional release while urging the government to urgently review the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act.

DJ Olla 7 was reportedly arrested over statements made during a podcast interview, a development that ZUJ says points to the increasing vulnerability of journalists and media practitioners in Zimbabwe. His arrest came after hip-hop artist Holy Ten launched a blistering attack on Zimbabwe’s Ambassador-at-Large to Europe and the Americas, Uebert Angel, and musician Mudiwa Hood.

Holy Ten alleged that Uebert Angel repeatedly asked him to procure women, allegedly for his pleasure, saying, “Dzaindikumbira ma babe.” He claimed to have sent Angel pictures of women, only to be blocked after Angel rejected them as not his type.

The musician said he hesitated to speak out to avoid tarnishing the Christian community. “Some of the women he targeted are my friends, some even married,” Holy Ten said, adding that Angel, who claims to be a major figure in the Christian faith, was a disgrace.

He also recounted a visit to Angel’s church, where musician Mudiwa allegedly showed him guns and condoms. “I swear, and I’m ready to go to court for this,” he said.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), ZUJ expressed deep concern over the apparent weaponisation of the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act, arguing that the legislation, initially introduced under the guise of digital safety, is now being misused to stifle free speech and suppress independent journalism.

“The arrest of DJ Olla 7, stemming from statements made during his podcast interview, is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities confronting journalists and media practitioners in our country. DJ Olla 7’s arrest is an unacceptable attack on the very core of journalistic practice,” read part of the statement.

The union emphasized that interviewing and disseminating information should not be criminalized, as it constitutes a fundamental pillar of democracy. It called on authorities to stop using legal instruments as tools of censorship and repression.

“We reject, with utter contempt, the use and weaponisation of our laws to instill fear in our journalists and silence the media. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of DJ Olla 7,” ZUJ added.

Furthermore, the journalists’ body issued a strong appeal for a comprehensive review of the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act, describing it as a “repugnant affront” to press freedom and a direct threat to constitutionally guaranteed journalistic rights.

The arrest has sparked widespread concern within Zimbabwe’s media landscape, with several press freedom advocacy groups warning that the continued targeting of journalists could further erode the country’s democratic credentials.

Adding to the debate, George Charamba, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications in the Office of the President, weighed in on the matter through his Twitter account, Jamwanda. He appeared to acknowledge concerns over the broad application of the law, stating, “Frankly this is too wide a legal remit, Comrades!!!! We need a second look at this, frankly!!!!”