The court said no to Blessed Mhlanga when he asked for bail. The High Court turned down his appeal after police arrested him on February 24, 2025. They charged this journalist with making people act violently. Judge Gibson Mandaza decided against letting him out and explained that nobody automatically deserves bail just because they ask for it.
Lawyers speaking for Mhlanga claimed the law gives him a right to bail. Judge Mandaza disagreed completely. He stated bail is something the court can give or withhold based on each situation. The judge added that you cannot simply demand bail because the Constitution mentions it as a possibility.
During court talks, people asked whether the first judge had considered claims about Mhlanga running away from Lusaka. Mandaza explained that this detail would matter only if flight risk caused the bail denial. That reason never appeared as the main problem with letting Mhlanga free before trial.
Government lawyers worried Mhlanga might talk to witnesses outside court. The judge recognized Mhlanga's important position as a journalist and noted that phones make reaching people easy these days. Mandaza said the court could create rules to stop witness contact, but even this fact did not change his mind about keeping Mhlanga locked up as court dates continued.
Lawyers speaking for Mhlanga claimed the law gives him a right to bail. Judge Mandaza disagreed completely. He stated bail is something the court can give or withhold based on each situation. The judge added that you cannot simply demand bail because the Constitution mentions it as a possibility.
During court talks, people asked whether the first judge had considered claims about Mhlanga running away from Lusaka. Mandaza explained that this detail would matter only if flight risk caused the bail denial. That reason never appeared as the main problem with letting Mhlanga free before trial.
Government lawyers worried Mhlanga might talk to witnesses outside court. The judge recognized Mhlanga's important position as a journalist and noted that phones make reaching people easy these days. Mandaza said the court could create rules to stop witness contact, but even this fact did not change his mind about keeping Mhlanga locked up as court dates continued.
