In a dramatic courtroom showdown, Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) challenged its placement on remand for allegedly insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The media giant’s Editor-in-Chief, Kholwani Nyathi, stood alongside lawyer Chris Mhike, arguing that the charges didn’t disclose an offense.
The controversy revolves around an article titled “When You Become a Mafia State,” published in the Zimbabwe Independent’s Muckraker column. The piece criticized Mnangagwa’s leadership, likening the country to a “mafia state” and accusing him of electoral rigging in neighboring countries.
Mhike argued that journalism isn’t a crime and that placing AMH on remand would amount to criminalizing journalism. He emphasized that freedom of expression and media are fundamental rights in a democracy. Mhike also pointed out that the article’s reference to “we” couldn’t be pinned solely on Mnangagwa, given his public statement about being the Sadc chairperson.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawo countered that the article clearly referred to Mnangagwa and that there’s reasonable suspicion of an offense having been committed. Jambawo added that the unlawfulness of the article would be determined during the trial.
Magistrate Ruth Moyo postponed the matter for a ruling on placement on remand. The case has sparked concerns about press freedom in Zimbabwe, with many watching closely to see how it unfolds.
end//..
