By Dickson Bandera
Blessed Mhlanga, a journalist with Alpha Media Holdings, was denied bail on Friday, 28 February, by Harare Magistrate Farai Gwatima. He was remanded in custody until 14 March.
Magistrate Gwatima cited concerns that releasing Mhlanga could provoke unrest and undermine national peace and security, stating, “The release of the accused would put the nation in unrest and undermine peace and security.”
Mhlanga is facing charges under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly transmitting messages intended to incite violence. The charges stem from two interviews Mhlanga conducted with Blessed Geza, a ZANU PF central committee member and liberation war veteran, on 27 January and 11 February 2025.
During the interview, Geza challenged calls for an extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028, arguing that such an extension would violate the Constitution. Following these interviews, Mhlanga was arrested on Monday after police issued a statement saying they were looking for him. He voluntarily presented himself at the Law and Order section of Harare Central Police Station, where he was immediately detained.
Mhlanga initially appeared in court on Tuesday, where the magistrate ordered him to remain in custody pending a decision on his bail application. The ruling, initially scheduled for Thursday, was delayed until Friday due to the magistrate’s attendance at a funeral.
Blessed Mhlanga is a respected journalist with Alpha Media Holdings, known for his critical and in-depth coverage of national issues. The case has ignited debates on the limits of free speech and the role of the media in Zimbabwe’s evolving political landscape with both local and international observers raising concerns about press freedom and freedom of expression.
