The High Court has postponed its decision on the bail application of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who is facing charges of transmitting messages that allegedly incited public violence.
Mhlanga was arrested three weeks ago after reportedly sharing a video of war veteran Blessed Geza, who opposes the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term. He was denied bail by Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima, who cited concerns that he could interfere with witnesses.
Arguing before Justice Gibson Mandaza, Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, maintained that his client was wrongfully arrested. He stated that Mhlanga neither attended the press conference in question nor personally transmitted the video in question.
“The State claims the video was transmitted, but the key question is: by whom? The prosecution has not provided evidence linking my client to the broadcast,” Mhike argued. He also emphasized that the magistrate’s decision was flawed, as there was no proof that Mhlanga had the means or intention to interfere with witnesses.
The defense further highlighted that Mhlanga voluntarily returned to Zimbabwe from Lusaka after hearing that authorities wanted to interview him, demonstrating his willingness to cooperate.
State prosecutor Fungai Nyahunzvi, however, insisted that Mhlanga was responsible for transmitting the alleged content, even if he had not created it himself. He compared it to forwarding explicit images, which is still a crime despite not being the original sender.
The judge stated that he needed time to review the submissions before issuing a ruling. A decision is expected in the coming days.
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