Harare – Heart and Soul TV journalist Blessed Mhlanga’s hopes for release on bail have been dashed after the High Court indefinitely postponed his bail appeal hearing. The postponement comes amidst the State’s failure to produce electronic and video graphic recordings that they claim contain evidence incriminating the journalist.
Mhlanga, a prominent reporter for Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), remains in custody on allegations of publishing information inciting violence. His arrest stems from interviews he allegedly conducted with Blessed Geza, a war veteran and vocal critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership and the “2030 agenda.” Geza is currently evading authorities and is wanted by police on charges of incitement, undermining the authority of the President, and theft.
Mhlanga is accused of inciting violence through broadcasts featuring Geza on AMH’s broadcast unit, HStv. Geza, a known nemesis of President Mnangagwa, has publicly criticised the president for corruption and poor leadership, demanding his resignation.
Mhlanga handed himself in to police after they issued a statement saying they were looking for him in connection with “distributing content deemed harmful to the State.”
During the hearing, Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, requested further particulars, including the video evidence, arguing that this information was crucial for the defence to build its case and seek Mhlanga’s freedom.
Mhike explained that the evidence would assist the court in making a meaningful determination, as the content of the request for remand form differed from what was allegedly uttered in the recordings.
“We can have an adjournment to midday to allow the State to avail the evidence,” Mhike suggested, seeking a swift resolution to the matter.
However, according to Mhike, the State showed reluctance to provide the requested information.
“The prosecution has a warned and cautioned statement which they cannot release because of the privilege they have on the docket,” he stated. “We believe the importance of video graphic evidence will cure our arguments.”
The State, on the other hand, insisted that the request for further particulars should have been made during Mhlanga’s initial court appearance.
Mhike countered this argument by reminding the State that the defence had already challenged the credibility of the evidence before Magistrate Farai Gwitima.
“We are raising this issue for the second time with the hope that the High Court will have a fairer hearing as the Magistrate Court did not want to hear anything of that sought,” Mhike said.
The presiding judge, Gibson Mandaza, ultimately decided to indefinitely adjourn the hearing to allow him time to consider the application for a request of further particulars.
Two days prior to this, prosecutors had sought to move Mhlanga’s case to a specialised anti-corruption court, arguing that the original case was heard in a Regional Court (anti-corruption court) at the Magistrates Court over a week ago.
Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, argued against the matter being heard in a specialised anti-corruption court since the alleged offence had nothing to do with graft.
Mhike also submitted that if the matter is to be postponed, it has to be up to Wednesday, March 12.
Justice Gibson Mandaza said he wanted time to look into the submissions, especially the part of transferring the matter to an anti-corruption court.
The application was subsequently rejected by High Court judge Gibson Mandaza on Monday afternoon.
During his initial court appearance, the NPA opposed Mhlanga’s bail application, arguing that he was likely to interfere with police investigations. Prosecutor Ruvimbo Matyatya told the court that Mhlanga, as a boss at HStv, was likely to intimidate his subordinates, whom they intend to call as witnesses in the case.
Magistrate Farai Gwitima sided with the state, ruling that Mhlanga’s release could jeopardise peace and security in the country and that he was likely to re-offend. Aggrieved by this decision, Mhlanga filed an appeal, which was initially scheduled to be heard on Monday before the state’s intervention.
On Monday, Mhike also conveyed his client’s sentiments regarding his continued detention. “He is of course very unhappy to be in detention over a matter… as far as we are concerned, that does not warrant detention,” the lawyer said.
“He worries about his family because he is a breadwinner and his day-to-day activities are disrupted without the liberty that he deserves, his studies have been disrupted. So, he remains strong but obviously, his present situation is not ideal,” Mhike added.
Despite the challenges, Mhike emphasised that Mhlanga remains resolute and urged his colleagues in the press to do the same. “He is being strong. He encourages you, members of the press, to remain resolute, strong and brave in the face of adversity.”
