I’m now worried about my family: Says jailed journalist Blessed Mhlanga as State attempts moving his case to Anti-Corruption Court
DETAINED: Blessed Mhlanga
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The bail appeal of incarcerated Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga has been delayed after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) attempted to have the case transferred to the Anti-Corruption court. The application was rejected by High Court judge Gibson Mandaza on Monday.
Mhlanga, a prominent reporter for AMH, was arrested two weeks ago in connection with interviews he allegedly conducted with Blessed Geza, a war veteran and vocal critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership and the “2030 agenda.” Geza is currently in hiding and wanted by police on charges of incitement, undermining the authority of the President, and theft. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The state’s attempt to move the bail proceedings to the Anti-Corruption court was met with strong opposition from Mhlanga’s legal team. Fungai Nyanhunzvi, representing the state, argued that Justice Mandaza lacked jurisdiction over the matter, but this was swiftly dismissed by the judge.
Speaking to journalists after the court proceedings, Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, explained the defence’s objection to the state’s request. “The matter was scheduled for hearing this morning and earlier in the morning the state requested that the bail proceedings be referred to the anti-corruption court of the High Court and we objected to that transfer because as far as we are concerned, there is nothing corrupt or corruption related about the charges Blessed is facing.”
Mhike confirmed that the judge rejected the state’s application, and the bail appeal will now be heard in the ordinary bail court on March 12, 2025. He also stated that the state is yet to provide them with their response to the bail appeal, but has undertaken to do so by the end of Tuesday.
“The state is yet to furnish us with their response to the bail appeal,” Mhike said. “It is our hope that by Wednesday, that response would have been furnished to us. There was an undertaking by the state that by the end of tomorrow, they would have responded to the bail appeal. It is our hope that our appeal will prevail and Blessed will be released.”
Mhlanga is accused of inciting violence through broadcasts featuring Geza on AMH’s broadcast unit, HStv. Geza, a known nemesis of President Mnangagwa, has publicly criticised the president for corruption and poor leadership, demanding his resignation.
Mhlanga handed himself in to police after they issued a statement saying they were looking for him in connection with “distributing content deemed harmful to the State.”
During his initial court appearance, the NPA opposed Mhlanga’s bail application, arguing that he was likely to interfere with police investigations. Prosecutor Ruvimbo Matyatya told the court that Mhlanga, as a boss at HStv, was likely to intimidate his subordinates, whom they intend to call as witnesses in the case.
Magistrate Farai Gwitima sided with the state, ruling that Mhlanga’s release could jeopardise peace and security in the country and that he was likely to re-offend. Aggrieved by this decision, Mhlanga filed an appeal, which was initially scheduled to be heard on Monday before the state’s intervention.
Mhike also conveyed his client’s sentiments regarding his continued detention. “He is of course very unhappy to be in detention over a matter… as far as we are concerned, that does not warrant detention,” the lawyer said.
“He worries about his family because he is a breadwinner and his day-to-day activities are disrupted without the liberty that he deserves, his studies have been disrupted. So, he remains strong but obviously, his present situation is not ideal,” Mhike added. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production.
Despite the challenges, Mhike emphasised that Mhlanga remains resolute and urged his colleagues in the press to do the same. “He is being strong. He encourages you, members of the press, to remain resolute, strong and brave in the face of adversity.”
The case has raised concerns about press freedom in Zimbabwe, with many viewing Mhlanga’s arrest as an attempt to silence critical voices and stifle reporting on sensitive political issues. The outcome of the bail appeal will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for future cases involving journalists and freedom of expression.
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