Journalist Denied Bail Amidst Press Freedom Concerns

Harare – Lawyers representing senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga are still awaiting crucial court transcripts to proceed with a High Court bail application. Mhlanga, a journalist with Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), was denied bail last Friday by Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima and remains in custody on charges of incitement to public violence.

Mhlanga’s legal representatives, Atherstone & Cook, formally requested a transcript of the magistrate’s ruling on the bail application, as well as a record of proceedings from his court appearance on February 25. However, as of Monday, the legal team had yet to receive these essential documents, delaying their ability to challenge the magistrate’s decision.

Mhlanga’s arrest stems from his coverage of a press conference aired on Heart and Soul TV (HStv), an online channel owned by AMH. The press conference featured Zanu PF central committee member Blessed Geza, who openly criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, citing governance failures and corruption. Authorities have since launched a manhunt for Geza, who faces multiple criminal charges, including incitement to violence.

The state argues that Mhlanga’s broadcast of the event posed a security threat, leading to his arrest. Magistrate Gwitima justified denying him bail by stating that Mhlanga could interfere with witnesses, some of whom are reportedly his subordinates, and that his release could disrupt public peace.

Legal Team Expresses Concern Over DelaysMhlanga’s lawyers have reiterated the urgency of obtaining the transcripts, emphasizing their client’s right to a fair and speedy legal process. “Our client’s liberty is of paramount importance, and to advance his bail appeal, the transcripts herein are essential,” the legal team wrote in their request to the Clerk of the Magistrates’ Court.

The delay in providing court records has sparked concern among legal experts and press freedom advocates, who argue that such procedural roadblocks could be a deliberate attempt to prolong Mhlanga’s detention.

Mhlanga’s detention has been met with widespread criticism from local and international media watchdogs. The US Embassy in Harare issued a statement on Friday, calling for fair treatment of journalists and reiterating that constitutional rights to bail and free speech should be upheld.

AMH Chairman Trevor Ncube has also condemned the journalist’s arrest, asserting that Mhlanga was simply performing his professional duties. “Blessed Mhlanga is not AMH. He’s a journalist practicing his profession, which is constitutionally protected,” Ncube stated outside the Harare Magistrates’ Court. “If broadcasting public statements is a crime, then every journalist present here could be arrested for doing their job.”

Ncube also criticized what he termed a selective application of the law, arguing that Mhlanga was being unfairly targeted for reporting on political issues.

He accused the judiciary of being under political influence, stating, “Unfortunately, President Mnangagwa owns the courts, the military, and the police. This is not justice.”

Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, has vowed to appeal the bail ruling at the High Court once the necessary documents are made available. He maintains that his client has been wrongfully detained for simply fulfilling his journalistic duties. Mhlanga is expected to appear in court again on March 14 for a routine remand hearing.

As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with press freedom concerns, Mhlanga’s case highlights the growing risks journalists face in the country. The Southern Live will continue to follow developments in this case as the fight for justice and press freedom unfolds.