Alpha Media Holdings reporter Blessed Mhlanga sits in jail waiting for his court date. Police arrested him about two weeks ago, claiming he shared information that could cause violence. He recently asked the High Court to review his case after Magistrate Farai Gwitima refused to let him out on bail.
The charges came from interviews Mhlanga reportedly did with Blessed Geza, a war veteran who strongly opposes President Mnangagwa's 2030 vision plan. Police currently search for Geza, wanting to question him about inciting violence, insulting the president, and theft accusations against him.
Magistrate Gwitima kept Mhlanga locked up because he thought the journalist might pressure witnesses who work under him. The magistrate also believed letting Mhlanga free could trigger unrest across Zimbabwe. Through attorney Chris Mhike, Mhlanga told the High Court that Gwitima made a serious mistake in denying him bail.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights stated they increased efforts to free Mhlanga. In their appeal, they argue that the magistrate completely mishandled the case last month since no real reasons exist for keeping the senior journalist behind bars. The court has not yet scheduled a hearing date for the appeal.
The charges came from interviews Mhlanga reportedly did with Blessed Geza, a war veteran who strongly opposes President Mnangagwa's 2030 vision plan. Police currently search for Geza, wanting to question him about inciting violence, insulting the president, and theft accusations against him.
Magistrate Gwitima kept Mhlanga locked up because he thought the journalist might pressure witnesses who work under him. The magistrate also believed letting Mhlanga free could trigger unrest across Zimbabwe. Through attorney Chris Mhike, Mhlanga told the High Court that Gwitima made a serious mistake in denying him bail.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights stated they increased efforts to free Mhlanga. In their appeal, they argue that the magistrate completely mishandled the case last month since no real reasons exist for keeping the senior journalist behind bars. The court has not yet scheduled a hearing date for the appeal.
