A Zimbabwean journalist has been locked up for writing a satirical article that criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa, drawing sharp reactions from media and rights groups who say the government is growing intolerant of free expression.

Faith Zaba, the editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, appeared in court on Wednesday after being charged with publishing a column titled "When you become mafia state", which prosecutors claim was intended to stir public hostility toward the 82-year-old head of state.

Takudzwa Jambawu, who is leading the case for the prosecution, told the court that “the contents of the article are false in material and designed to engender feelings of hostility by the citizens of Zimbabwe towards the president.”

Zaba, 55, was ordered to remain in custody by a magistrate in Harare until Thursday, when a ruling on her bail request is expected.

Her lawyer, Chris Mhike, criticised the court’s decision, saying, “A prison is not the best place for people who are unwell,” as he revealed that Zaba was unwell at the time of her detention.

The arrest has sparked outrage from both local and international defenders of press freedom, who accuse Zimbabwean authorities of using the law to clamp down on dissenting voices.

Zaba's case is not isolated.

In February, another journalist, Blessed Mhlanga, was detained for more than 70 days after airing an interview with ruling party critic Blessed Geza, who had publicly opposed attempts to extend Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028. Mhlanga was accused of inciting violence through the broadcast.

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists expressed its concern, saying it was “deeply disturbed by the criminalisation of journalism” and demanded that Zaba be freed without conditions.

“Satirical commentary, whether critical or humorous, is protected speech and should not be criminalised,” the union said.

The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe added its voice, warning that press freedom in the country is “becoming more and more disrespected” with each arrest of a media professional.

Zimbabwe, where the ruling ZANU-PF party has long dominated the political space, ranks 106th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders.