By Crime and Courts Reporter-Hip-hop musician Holy Ten is reportedly on the run, with police searching for him in connection with a cyberbullying case involving popular Zimbabwean podcaster and former Star FM DJ, Ollah 7.
Ollah 7 has since been arrested after surrendering himself to the police on Saturday.
Ollah 7, real name Owen Madondo, turned himself in to the police’s Law and Order section on Saturday afternoon after being summoned for questioning over allegations of cyberbullying.
Holy Ten has been named as the primary accused in the case.
“Ollah has been wanted by the police to answer allegations regarding the improper use of social media, particularly his online exchanges with socialite and musician Mudiwahood. He has since handed himself over to the authorities, accompanied by a human rights lawyer,” a source at Harare Central Police Station confirmed.
At the time of publishing, ZimEye had yet to receive an official comment from the police regarding his detention.
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe had not yet confirmed the arrest of the prominent DJ and podcaster.
Holy Ten’s alleged involvement in this case comes as he faces growing scrutiny over his close ties with the ruling Zanu PF party.
The musician, who has often been accused of aligning himself with political elites, has received backlash from fans and fellow artists for his perceived endorsement of the government’s policies.
In the run-up to the 2023 elections, Holy Ten sparked controversy when he publicly praised Zanu PF leaders and accepted financial and promotional support from individuals linked to the ruling party.
Critics argue that his association with Zanu PF contradicts his earlier image as a voice of the youth and the marginalized.
His political alignment has led to accusations that he is being shielded from legal consequences, raising questions about the state’s selective application of the law.
Ollah 7’s arrest comes against the backdrop of increasing state repression against journalists and independent media figures.
His detention follows the recent arrest of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who is currently in remand prison facing similar charges related to the alleged improper use of digital platforms.
The state has accused Mhlanga of violating cyber laws, a tactic increasingly used to silence critical voices in Zimbabwe.
Since taking power in the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa’s administration has escalated its efforts to suppress independent journalism and dissenting voices.
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 meet with the president at State House.
The arrest may signal growing unease within the government over independent media voices gaining access to power structures.