The United States embassy officials voiced strong disapproval regarding the detention of Alpha Media Holdings reporter Blessed Mhlanga, calling for Zimbabwean authorities to uphold essential press freedom rights. Police arrested Mhlanga Monday under accusations of distributing information that provokes violence or damages property, charging him through Section 164 of Criminal Law Chapter 9:23.
A magistrate rejected bail Friday, citing concerns that Mhlanga might interfere with witnesses and compromise investigations. American diplomatic representatives emphasized Friday that constitutional protections, including bail rights and speech freedoms, must extend to all journalists throughout Zimbabwe. The embassy statement specifically declared that these fundamental rights should apply equally across the journalism profession.
Mhlanga faces allegations stemming from conversations he reportedly conducted with Blessed Geza, who identifies as both a ruling Zanu PF war veteran and vocal critic of President Mnangagwa's 2030 political agenda. Law enforcement personnel actively search for Geza regarding multiple offenses, including incitement, undermining presidential authority, and theft charges. During these interviews, Geza allegedly demanded President Emmerson Mnangagwa resign immediately, citing governmental mismanagement.
The governing Zanu PF organization currently experiences internal division between competing factions. One group maintains loyalty to Mnangagwa, advocating the suspension of scheduled 2028 elections to extend his leadership term until 2030. The opposing faction reportedly aligns with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, supporting adherence to established constitutional limits restricting presidential terms. This political split highlights ongoing tensions regarding leadership succession plans within Zimbabwe's dominant political party.
A magistrate rejected bail Friday, citing concerns that Mhlanga might interfere with witnesses and compromise investigations. American diplomatic representatives emphasized Friday that constitutional protections, including bail rights and speech freedoms, must extend to all journalists throughout Zimbabwe. The embassy statement specifically declared that these fundamental rights should apply equally across the journalism profession.
Mhlanga faces allegations stemming from conversations he reportedly conducted with Blessed Geza, who identifies as both a ruling Zanu PF war veteran and vocal critic of President Mnangagwa's 2030 political agenda. Law enforcement personnel actively search for Geza regarding multiple offenses, including incitement, undermining presidential authority, and theft charges. During these interviews, Geza allegedly demanded President Emmerson Mnangagwa resign immediately, citing governmental mismanagement.
The governing Zanu PF organization currently experiences internal division between competing factions. One group maintains loyalty to Mnangagwa, advocating the suspension of scheduled 2028 elections to extend his leadership term until 2030. The opposing faction reportedly aligns with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, supporting adherence to established constitutional limits restricting presidential terms. This political split highlights ongoing tensions regarding leadership succession plans within Zimbabwe's dominant political party.
