New Twist in Mhlanga Case, State Goes After HSTV

By Senior Reporter

A new twist has emerged in the case of detained Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who has spent over 70 days in remand prison at Chikurubi Maximum Prison. Following a call by parliamentarians in the UK, Zimbabwean rights activists are planning to protest outside the venue of the First Ladies of African Impact and Resilience (FLAIR) summit, where Auxillia Mnangagwa, the wife of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is scheduled to speak in June.

The debate was initiated by Lord Johnny Oates, a member of the House of Lords, who expressed concern over Mhlanga’s detention and the overall brutality of the regime. Lord Oates highlighted the plight of journalists in Zimbabwe, saying that media freedom has been under siege for decades. “Journalists are regularly intimidated, detained, and on occasion, murdered,” he said. “Printing presses have been blown up and public dissent silenced.”

Mhlanga’s only crime, according to Lord Oates, was “having the temerity to conduct an interview” with a dissenting voice who exposed “the criminal corruption of the regime and the president’s family.” The journalist was arrested for publishing a press conference by war veteran Blessed Geza, who demanded that President Mnangagwa resign and challenged calls for him to remain in power until 2030.

Lord Oates urged British lawmakers to challenge Auxillia Mnangagwa on Mhlanga’s continued detention and the brutality of the regime she represents. “I hope that members of our parliament who are choosing to take part will challenge Zimbabwe’s first lady on the continued detention of Blessed Mhlanga and the overall brutality of the regime she represents,” he said.

The debate was sparked by a question from Baroness Mobarik, who asked what steps the UK government was taking to ensure journalist safety worldwide as part of the Media Freedom Coalition. Zimbabwe remains suspended from the Commonwealth, with some nations opposing its re-admission due to ongoing human rights concerns.

In a fresh turn of events, the state has announced that it will be going after Alpha Media Holdings (AMH)’s subsidiary, Heart and Soul TV (HSTV), Mhlanga’s employer. HSTV will be jointly charged with Mhlanga for allegedly publishing messages that incite public violence. Mhlanga’s lawyer, Mhike, confirmed that the state has pronounced that HSTV will be a co-accused and that charges will be leveled against the media house.

Mhlanga’s trial is expected to commence on May 14, and his lawyer has expressed concerns over the state’s sudden change of position, indicating that they are ready for trial despite previously requesting a postponement. Mhlanga has been denied bail on three occasions by both magistrates and the High Court.

The case has sparked widespread concern over media freedom and human rights in Zimbabwe, with many calling for Auxillia Mnangagwa to be held accountable for the regime’s actions. As the First Lady prepares to travel to the UK, she will likely face tough questions from British lawmakers and protests from Zimbabwean rights activists.

The planned protests outside the FLAIR summit venue are a testament to the growing concern over Mhlanga’s detention and the regime’s treatment of journalists. Zimbabwean rights activists based in the UK are determined to bring attention to the issue and push for action from the UK government.

As the international community continues to scrutinize Zimbabwe’s human rights record, the case of Blessed Mhlanga serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in the country. The UK government’s response to the situation will be closely watched, and the FLAIR summit is likely to be a focal point for discussions on human rights and media freedom in Zimbabwe.