By Crime and Courts Reporter-Hip-hop musician Holy Ten, who is reportedly on the run, has been seen in a video circulating on social media mocking the arrest of podcaster and former Star FM DJ, Ollah 7.
Reports suggest that Holy Ten is wanted by the police in connection with a cyberbullying case involving Ollah, who was arrested on Saturday.
Ollah 7, real name Owen Madondo, recently hosted a podcast featuring Holy Ten, in which the musician made explosive allegations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s gold frontman and self-proclaimed prophet Uebert Angel.
Holy Ten accused Angel of immoral behavior, including adultery, and also made sensational claims about socialite Mudiwahood, a close associate of Angel.
He alleged that Mudiwahood attended church gatherings with condoms and once brandished firearms to intimidate him.
Following this podcast, Ollah 7 was arrested after surrendering himself to the police’s Law and Order section on Saturday afternoon.
While the police have yet to release an official statement, journalists and human rights activists visited him at Harare Central Police Station, where he remains detained, expected to appear in court on Monday.
A video circulating on social media shows Holy Ten performing at an unnamed venue last night, shouting to the crowd, “Ollah ngaasungwe” (“Ollah must be arrested”).
ZimEye is working to verify the video and the context of Holy Ten’s remarks, which appear to contradict expectations that he would express solidarity with the podcaster.
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe have not yet confirmed Ollah 7’s arrest.
Holy Ten’s alleged involvement in this case comes amid growing scrutiny over his close ties with the ruling Zanu PF party.
The musician has often been accused of aligning himself with political elites, sparking backlash from fans and fellow artists who once viewed him as a voice of the youth and the marginalized.
His perceived endorsement of Zanu PF, particularly during the 2023 elections, raised eyebrows when he publicly praised ruling party leaders and accepted financial and promotional support from individuals linked to the government.
Critics argue that Holy Ten’s political alignment may be shielding him from legal consequences, raising questions about the state’s selective application of the law.
While Ollah 7 faces detention, Holy Ten remains at large despite reports that he is also wanted by the police.
The contrasting treatment fuels speculation that his association with Zanu PF is affording him a level of protection not extended to independent journalists and opposition-linked figures.
Ollah 7’s arrest is unfolding against the backdrop of increasing state repression against journalists and independent media figures.
His detention follows the recent arrest of Alpha Media Holdings journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who remains in remand prison facing similar charges related to alleged improper use of digital platforms.
The state has been using cyber laws to target critical voices, a trend that has intensified under Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Since taking power in the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa’s administration has escalated efforts to suppress independent journalism.
Laws such as the Cyber and Data Protection Act have been weaponized against journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers, effectively criminalizing free speech.
Media watchdogs have repeatedly warned that Zimbabwe is sliding back into authoritarianism, with press freedom increasingly under threat.
Ollah 7’s arrest also raises questions about potential political motivations.
Just last month, he hinted at securing an exclusive interview with President Mnangagwa after being among a select group of editors and journalists invited to State House.
His arrest may signal growing unease within the government over independent media voices gaining access to power structures, particularly at a time when Zanu PF is tightening its grip on narratives surrounding governance and corruption.