Ollah 7, a popular Zimbabwean podcaster and former Star FM DJ, has publicly apologized for comments made during a recent episode of his podcast. In his apology, Ollah 7 expressed regret for sharing the words of musician Holy Ten, which led to backlash, particularly from Ambassador Uebert Angel’s office. He made a heartfelt statement, saying, “As Ollah 7, I stand by my podcast and sincerely apologize to the Office of Ambassador Uebert Angel for posting the words of Holy Ten.” He emphasized that the remarks were not intended to cause harm or offense but acknowledged the impact they had.
Ollah 7 further clarified that moving forward, he would not offer a platform to individuals who engage in personal attacks or harmful behavior. He reassured his audience that he would strive to maintain a responsible and respectful environment on his show. “I also extend my apologies to Mudiwa Hood, Winky D, Mama Vee, Kimberly Richards, Voltz JT, and everyone affected by the remarks made during the episode,” he added, showing a clear desire to make amends and move beyond any controversies stemming from that particular episode. His apology reflected his commitment to creating content that fosters constructive dialogue, rather than fueling division or hostility.
However, shortly after issuing his apology, Ollah 7 found himself at the center of a significant legal issue. The popular podcaster was arrested, reportedly in connection with allegations of cyberbullying. Sources indicate that Ollah 7, whose real name is Owen Madondo, was summoned by the police for questioning regarding his social media activity, particularly his online exchanges with socialite and musician Mudiwa Hood. These interactions were cited as the primary reason for his arrest, with accusations suggesting that Ollah 7 had engaged in improper use of social media.
On Saturday afternoon, Ollah 7 voluntarily surrendered himself to the police’s Law and Order section. This move came after he was summoned by authorities to answer to the allegations. According to sources at Harare Central Police Station, Ollah 7 was accompanied by a human rights lawyer when he presented himself to the police. At the time of his surrender, there was no official comment from the police about his detention, leaving many questions about the specifics of the case unanswered.
Ollah 7 Arrested After Apology for Controversial Podcast Remarks Amidst Growing Crackdown on Media in Zimbabwe
The arrest of Ollah 7 occurred amidst a larger pattern of increasing state repression against journalists, podcasters, and other media figures in Zimbabwe. His detention highlights the broader climate of government scrutiny and the growing use of laws such as the Cyber and Data Protection Act to target those who express dissent or challenge the government, particularly through online platforms. These laws have been criticized for their potential to stifle free speech and intimidate independent media.
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe have yet to confirm the details of Ollah 7’s arrest. However, the podcaster’s situation reflects a troubling trend in the country, where independent media voices are increasingly under pressure. Just weeks before his arrest, Ollah 7 had hinted at securing an exclusive interview with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This development raised suspicions that his arrest might be connected to political motivations, as the government has shown discomfort with independent media figures gaining access to power structures.
Ollah 7’s arrest comes on the heels of the recent detention of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who is facing similar charges related to digital content and social media activity. These arrests point to a larger crackdown on media practitioners in Zimbabwe, with authorities seemingly using legal and extrajudicial means to suppress independent journalism and limit critical discourse.
The arrest of Ollah 7 also serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and media practitioners under President Mnangagwa’s administration. The government’s increasing efforts to control the media space reflect a wider trend of authoritarianism in the country, which has been exacerbated by the erosion of press freedom. International watchdogs and local civil society organizations have expressed concerns that Zimbabwe is regressing toward a more repressive regime, where freedom of expression and independent reporting are under constant threat.
Ollah 7’s case is just one example of how the government is using laws and tactics to stifle free speech, particularly in the digital age. His arrest, coupled with his recent public apology, underscores the difficult balancing act that media practitioners in Zimbabwe must navigate: the desire to speak freely and the growing risk of legal and political repercussions for doing so. The situation highlights the importance of safeguarding media freedom and ensuring that journalists, podcasters, and content creators can operate without fear of retribution.
