High Court Upholds Denial of Bail for Journalist Blessed Mhlanga

By Shingirai Vambe

In a recent ruling, the High Court of Zimbabwe has denied bail to journalist Blessed Mhlanga, upholding the decision of the lower court. Mhlanga, a senior journalist at Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), was arrested on February 24, 2025, and charged with transmitting information inciting public violence.

The charges stem from a press conference held by war veteran Blessed Geza, during which he called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation. Mhlanga is accused of disseminating video footage from the press conference, which the state claims incited public violence.

Mhlanga’s lawyers had argued that the journalist was not a flight risk and had handed himself over to the police. However, High Court Judge Justice Gibson Mandaza ruled that Mhlanga’s senior position at Heart and Soul TV (HSTV) meant he wielded significant power and could potentially interfere with witnesses.

The judge also emphasized that the charge against Mhlanga was not about the actual occurrence of violence but about the transmission of inciting messages. Mandaza stated that the finding that Mhlanga transmitted inciting messages could not be faulted, despite the fact that he is not the owner of HSTV.

Mhlanga’s lawyers had also argued that the journalist was being punished for Geza’s statements, but the judge dismissed this claim, stating that the charge against Mhlanga was not about uttering the words but about transmitting the messages.

The denial of bail has sparked concerns about press freedom in Zimbabwe, with many viewing Mhlanga’s detention as part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism. The case has drawn international attention, with human rights groups monitoring developments closely.