Judge Gibson Mandaza turned down journalist Blessed Mhlanga's request for bail. Mhlanga, who works for Alpha Media Holdings, has been behind bars for almost a month. Police locked him up because Heart and Soul TV, where he works, showed Blessed Geza talking to reporters. Geza, a Zanu PF member and war veteran, wants President Emmerson Mnangagwa to quit his job.
Magistrate Farai Gwitima first refused bail because he thought freeing Mhlanga might hurt peace in Zimbabwe. The magistrate worried Mhlanga would mess with witnesses. Judge Mandaza agreed with every reason from the first court. He said Mhlanga was wrong to think the case attacked his job as a reporter. The judge reminded everyone they must follow laws when working.
Chris Mhike tried to help Mhlanga by saying no fighting happened after the broadcast. But Judge Mandaza explained violence doesn't need to happen for this charge - just sending the message breaks the law. He stated the shared content could harm peace. The judge rejected claims that Mhlanga faced punishment for Geza's words. Mandaza clarified the charge focused on sharing the messages, not who first said them.
Mhike pointed out that courts often grant bail to people facing charges. Mandaza responded that bail isn't guaranteed by right—courts can say yes or no based on each situation. Mhike mentioned that Mhlanga went to the police himself when he heard they wanted him. The judge said this fact would matter only if Mhlanga seemed likely to run away. Mandaza decided that Mhlanga held enough power at HSTV as a senior reporter to possibly interfere with the case.
The judge balanced Mhlanga's interests against public safety concerns. He found nothing wrong with keeping Mhlanga locked up to protect peace. Mhike expressed disappointment about the decision. The lawyer plans to ask the lower court again for bail, claiming new circumstances exist.
Magistrate Farai Gwitima first refused bail because he thought freeing Mhlanga might hurt peace in Zimbabwe. The magistrate worried Mhlanga would mess with witnesses. Judge Mandaza agreed with every reason from the first court. He said Mhlanga was wrong to think the case attacked his job as a reporter. The judge reminded everyone they must follow laws when working.
Chris Mhike tried to help Mhlanga by saying no fighting happened after the broadcast. But Judge Mandaza explained violence doesn't need to happen for this charge - just sending the message breaks the law. He stated the shared content could harm peace. The judge rejected claims that Mhlanga faced punishment for Geza's words. Mandaza clarified the charge focused on sharing the messages, not who first said them.
Mhike pointed out that courts often grant bail to people facing charges. Mandaza responded that bail isn't guaranteed by right—courts can say yes or no based on each situation. Mhike mentioned that Mhlanga went to the police himself when he heard they wanted him. The judge said this fact would matter only if Mhlanga seemed likely to run away. Mandaza decided that Mhlanga held enough power at HSTV as a senior reporter to possibly interfere with the case.
The judge balanced Mhlanga's interests against public safety concerns. He found nothing wrong with keeping Mhlanga locked up to protect peace. Mhike expressed disappointment about the decision. The lawyer plans to ask the lower court again for bail, claiming new circumstances exist.
