Reporter Blessed Mhlanga says fellow prisoners Mike Chimombe and Mose Mpofu protected him at Harare Remand Prison. He called the jail hell, but felt safe because of them. The HStv journalist spent 73 days locked up after police arrested him for talking with former war veteran Blessed Geza. Courts denied him bail three times before his release Tuesday.
Mhlanga stayed an extra night behind bars because officials made paperwork mistakes. His family greeted him with hugs when he finally walked free. He must pay $500 bail and check in with police every Friday. Law students helped fix his court papers overnight. His health suffered during his time away from home.
Mhlanga worries about Chimombe and Mpofu, who still sit in jail after ten months. They face corruption claims and keep fighting for bail rights. His arrest made newsgroups worry about press freedom in Zimbabwe. Mhlanga studies law and hopes to return to normal life soon.
Mhlanga stayed an extra night behind bars because officials made paperwork mistakes. His family greeted him with hugs when he finally walked free. He must pay $500 bail and check in with police every Friday. Law students helped fix his court papers overnight. His health suffered during his time away from home.
Mhlanga worries about Chimombe and Mpofu, who still sit in jail after ten months. They face corruption claims and keep fighting for bail rights. His arrest made newsgroups worry about press freedom in Zimbabwe. Mhlanga studies law and hopes to return to normal life soon.
