Blessed Mhlanga, a journalist employed by Alpha Media Holdings, was denied bail by Harare magistrate Farai Gwatima. Mhlanga will remain in custody until March 14. The magistrate believes releasing the accused could disturb national peace and security, potentially sparking unrest.
Mhlanga works for the HStv platform and has faced intimidation from State Security agents because of his work interviewing political figures. He was arrested on February 24, 2025, accused of violating Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. Authorities claim he transmitted messages inciting violence related to interviews with Blessed Geza, a war veterans' leader, and others.
The police investigation is focused on remarks made during interviews on January 27, 2025, and February 11, 2025. In these interviews, Geza, a former liberation war veteran and Zanu PF central committee member, allegedly made inflammatory statements. During questioning, the police concentrated on Mhlanga's role as a journalist and the press conferences Geza held.
Mhlanga works for the HStv platform and has faced intimidation from State Security agents because of his work interviewing political figures. He was arrested on February 24, 2025, accused of violating Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. Authorities claim he transmitted messages inciting violence related to interviews with Blessed Geza, a war veterans' leader, and others.
The police investigation is focused on remarks made during interviews on January 27, 2025, and February 11, 2025. In these interviews, Geza, a former liberation war veteran and Zanu PF central committee member, allegedly made inflammatory statements. During questioning, the police concentrated on Mhlanga's role as a journalist and the press conferences Geza held.
