Post Reporter
Blessed Mhlanga, a senior journalist at HStv, has been languishing in jail for three weeks, accused of publishing videos that allegedly incite violence. His arrest and subsequent denial of bail have raised concerns about judicial harassment and the erosion of press freedom in Zimbabwe.
Mhlanga’s troubles began when he was arrested for publishing videos recorded at a press conference held by former Zanu PF central committee member and war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza. The State alleges that the videos contain messages that incite violence, but Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, argues that his client had nothing to do with the press conference and did not transmit the videos.
In fact, Mhike contends that the case against Mhlanga is based on a lie – that his client is HStv, when in fact he is merely a journalist working for the organization. The lawyer points out that the State has not provided any evidence to link Mhlanga to the transmission of the videos, and that the words quoted as inciting violence were actually uttered by Geza, not Mhlanga.
Despite these arguments, Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima denied Mhlanga bail, citing concerns that he would interfere with witnesses if released. Mhlanga’s lawyers have appealed this decision to the High Court, where Justice Gibson Mandaza has reserved judgment on the bail application.
Mhike has argued that the magistrate erred in denying Mhlanga bail, as the witnesses in question are not named and there is no evidence to suggest that Mhlanga would interfere with them. The lawyer also points out that the offense Mhlanga is accused of is not scheduled, and therefore does not warrant the denial of bail.
The case against Mhlanga has sparked concerns about press freedom in Zimbabwe, where journalists often face harassment and intimidation. Mhlanga’s arrest and detention have been condemned by local and international media organizations, who argue that he is being punished for doing his job as a journalist.
The Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Jenfan Muswere’s silence on the arrest of Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga is quite telling.
The Minister’s lack of comment on the matter raises concerns about the government’s commitment to press freedom and the protection of journalists’ rights. The arrest of Mhlanga has been widely condemned by local and international media organizations, who see it as an attempt to silence critical voices and stifle freedom of expression.
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