Heart and Soul Television (HSTV) journalist Blessed Mhlanga has been arrested and charged under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23. The charges relate to Mhlanga granting an interview to Blessed Geza, a staunch opponent of the Mnangagwa 2030 agenda, war veteran, and Zanu PF Central Committee member.
Section 164 pertains to “the transmission of information that incites violence or causes damage to property.”
Geza had issued press briefings and interviews through HSTV, anchored by Mhlanga, calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign from office immediately, adding that “failure to which the people of Zimbabwe will use the constitution to assist him to step down.”
Last week, police issued a statement appealing to the public for information regarding Mhlanga’s whereabouts. Mhlanga denied that he was on the run and stated that he would present himself to the police on Monday. Upon presenting himself to the Harare Central Police State CID Law and Order department, Mhlanga was charged and subsequently detained.
Alpha Media Holdings owner Trevor Ncube posted on his X account on Monday afternoon, informing the public of Mhlanga’s arrest.
“I condemn in the strongest terms the arrest and detention of Blessed Mhlanga today. Dhara is spending the night in police custody accused of “Transmission of data message inciting violence or damage to property.” This follows HStvNews broadcast of an interview with Blessed Geza. This is punishing Dhara for doing his work as a journalist. Dhara is a principled and courageous journalist who will not be broken by this brazen harassment and intimidation,” Ncube wrote.
Newzimbabwe
