Alpha Media Holdings (AMH ) journalist Blessed Mhlanga who is being accused of transmission of information that incites violence or causes damage to property will spend two more nights in custody after his bail ruling was deferred to this Thursday.
Mhlanga was arrested on Monday after he presented himself at Harare Central Police Station in the company of his lawyer Chris Mhike.
He is charged under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
The charges relate to him granting an interview to Blessed Geza, a war veteran and a staunch opponent of the Mnangagwa 2030 agenda.
Geza had issued press briefings through AMH broadcaster, HSTv calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign from office immediately.
The state represented by Ruvimbo Matyatya opposed his bail submitting that Mhlanga was likely to interfere with witnesses who include his junior subordinates.
Mhlanga’s lawyer urged the court to grant him bail arguing that journalism is not a crime.
“If practicing journalism is deemed to be dangerous then we have a problem that must be rectified by the justice delivery system and those who wield power in this nation.
“Zimbabwe defines itself as a democratic Republic under section 1 of the Constitution.
“My client wants his day in court to prove his innocence although the investigating officer has promised fire and trouble for HSTV the accused is ready to exonerate himself through trial,” said Mhike.
NewZimbabwe
