Blessed Mhlanga, a senior journalist at Heart & Soul TV, is back at the Harare Magistrates Court, seeking bail after being denied by High Court judge Justice Gibson Mandaza. Mhlanga faces charges of incitement to violence under section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.¹
The journalist’s troubles began on February 24 when he was arrested for allegedly recording and distributing a video of Blessed Runesu Geza, a war veteran and outspoken critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mhlanga has been in remand prison since his arrest.
Mhlanga’s initial bail application was denied by Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima on February 28, citing concerns that he might interfere with witnesses. His lawyer, Chris Mhike, appealed the decision, arguing that there were no compelling reasons to justify Mhlanga’s continued detention.
However, Justice Mandaza upheld the initial ruling, stating that the State had a strong case against Mhlanga. The judge emphasized that the charge was about transmitting data messages that incited violence, and that actual violence was not a necessary element of the offense.
Mhlanga’s case has raised concerns about press freedom and the limits of free speech in Zimbabwe. As the journalist awaits the court’s decision on his bail application, his supporters are holding out hope for his release.
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