KEY POINTS
- Journalist Blessed Mhlanga remains in detention, concerned about his family.
- The state delayed responding to his bail appeal after a court rejection.
- Mhlanga’s lawyer says he remains strong despite difficult conditions.
Prominent journalist Blessed Mhlanga has now spent two weeks in detention, facing allegations of inciting public violence.
His lawyer, Chris Mhike, says the reporter is deeply concerned about his family and the disruption to his daily life, but he remains resolute.
Mhlanga, who works for Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), was arrested after allegedly conducting interviews with Blessed Geza, a vocal war veteran known for opposing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda.
While Geza is still at large, Mhlanga has been denied bail, with the magistrate citing potential interference with investigations and a risk of reoffending.
Speaking to journalists outside the courthouse, Mhike said Mhlanga is unhappy about his situation but is determined to stay strong.
“He is being strong. He encourages you, members of the press, to remain resolute, strong, and brave in the face of adversity,” Mhike said.
Family and career disruptions weigh on Mhlanga
Although Mhlanga remains resilient, his lawyer emphasized that the detention is taking a toll on his personal life.
“He is, of course, very unhappy to be in detention over a matter that, as far as we are concerned, does not warrant detention,” Mhike said.
Mhlanga is the breadwinner for his family, and his incarceration has significantly disrupted their lives. Beyond financial concerns, his ongoing studies have also been put on hold.
According to Mhike, this uncertainty is distressing for Mhlanga, who is eager to regain his freedom.
His arrest stems from interviews he conducted with Geza, who is currently wanted by authorities for incitement, undermining the President’s authority, and theft charges.
According to New Zimbabwe, the government has linked Mhlanga’s reporting to these alleged offenses, making it difficult for him to secure bail.
State delays response to Mhlanga’s bail appeal
Following his bail denial by Magistrate Farai Gwitima, Mhlanga’s legal team filed an appeal, which was scheduled to be heard on Monday.
However, the state requested the case be transferred to the anti-corruption court, a move that was ultimately rejected.
Despite the setback, the state has promised to respond to Mhlanga’s appeal by Tuesday, with Mhike hoping for a swift resolution.
“The state is yet to furnish us with their response to the bail appeal,” Mhike told reporters.
“It is our hope that by Wednesday, that response would have been furnished to us. There was an undertaking by the state that by the end of tomorrow, they would have responded to the bail appeal.
It is our hope that our appeal will prevail and Blessed will be released.”
Mhlanga’s case has drawn concern from press freedom advocates, who argue that his detention is an attack on independent journalism in Zimbabwe.
As his legal battle continues, supporters are calling for his immediate release and a fair hearing of his appeal.
