Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga will spend two more nights in jail after his bail ruling was postponed to Thursday. He faces allegations of disseminating information that could incite violence or lead to property damage.
Mhlanga, who was arrested Monday after presenting himself at Harare Central Police Station with his lawyer, Chris Mhike, is charged under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
In court, Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, argued that journalists must be allowed to perform their duties freely, without fear of political elites.
“If practicing journalism is deemed dangerous, then we have a problem that must be rectified by the justice delivery system and those who wield power in this nation,” said Mhike. “Zimbabwe defines itself as a democratic republic under Section 1 of the Constitution. My client wants his day in court to prove his innocence. Although the investigating officer has threatened HSTV with ‘fire and trouble,’ the accused is ready to exonerate himself through trial.”
Mhlanga’s charges stem from an interview he conducted with Blessed Geza, a war veteran and vocal critic of the Mnangagwa 2030 agenda. Geza had issued press statements through AMH broadcaster HSTV, where Mhlanga is the head of broadcast, calling for the immediate resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
