Harare – Senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga, from Heart & Soul TV, has been denied bail by the Zimbabwean High Court, prolonging his detention following his arrest on February 24, 2025.
Mhlanga had previously appealed a magistrates’ court decision that denied him bail, contending that the refusal was legally unfounded.
Justice Gibson Mandaza, who reserved judgment earlier in the week to allow time for further legal review, upheld the initial ruling, meaning Mhlanga will remain in custody. The journalist has now been detained for 25 days, facing charges of inciting public violence.
The charges stem from Mhlanga’s role in disseminating video footage of a press conference by former Zanu-PF central committee member and war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza. During the conference, Geza publicly called for the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which sparked a political uproar.
At the magistrates’ court, Harare Magistrate Farai Gwitima denied Mhlanga bail, citing concerns that the journalist might interfere with witnesses if released. This ruling has drawn strong criticism from media rights groups, who view Mhlanga’s continued detention as a direct attack on press freedom in Zimbabwe.
As authorities search for Geza, who is wanted on charges such as incitement to violence and undermining the authority of the President, the case has drawn widespread condemnation from both local and international press freedom advocates. Many argue that Mhlanga’s arrest is part of a larger effort to stifle independent journalism in the country.
The case has attracted international attention, with human rights organizations expressing concern over the state of press freedom in Zimbabwe. The rejection of Mhlanga’s bail appeal raises significant questions about the independence of the judiciary and the ongoing suppression of the media in the country.
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