HARARE – Zimbabwean journalist Blessed “Dhara B” Mhlanga, a prominent digital editor and head of broadcasting for Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), finds himself at the centre of a high-stakes police manhunt following his impassioned speech at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. The Zimbabwe Republic Police’s (ZRP’s) Law and Order section has reportedly launched a high-powered operation to apprehend him. This development follows Mhlanga’s recent appearance at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, where he delivered a scathing critique of the Zimbabwean government’s human rights record and its systematic suppression of media freedom.
The Geneva Address: A Spark Ignites a Firestorm
Mhlanga, a respected voice in Zimbabwean journalism, participated as a panellist at the Geneva Summit on 18 February. His presentation, provocatively titled “Silenced for Reporting: Zimbabwe’s War on the Press,” laid bare his concerns about the state of democracy in his homeland. During his address, Mhlanga directly challenged official narratives suggesting that Zimbabwe was progressing towards democratisation. Instead, he argued that the nature of repression in the country had merely evolved since the military-assisted power transition in November 2017, which saw President Emmerson Mnangagwa succeed the late Robert Mugabe.
According to Mhlanga, the government is now employing a tactic he termed “lawfare” – the deliberate manipulation of laws and court processes – to silence critical journalists and dissenters. As the head of AMH’s online television station, Heart and Soul TV, Mhlanga has been at the forefront of independent reporting, making him a prime target for such tactics. He used the international platform to appeal for global support, urging the international community to hold the Zimbabwean government accountable for what he described as political violations. Despite the evident risks, Mhlanga’s resolve remained unwavering, as he declared, “I will stay in Zimbabwe…because I believe in my country.”
Police Mobilise: A Coordinated Manhunt
Trusted sources within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) indicate that the Law and Order section has initiated a comprehensive operation to arrest Mhlanga. This move comes after a warrant of arrest was issued against the journalist for his failure to appear in court on a separate, pre-existing charge. It has been established that Mhlanga was recently hospitalised at an undisclosed medical facility and is reportedly seeking medical treatment in South Africa. His legal representatives, Doug Coltart and Chris Mhike, presented a medical report to the court, but the State has insisted on verifying its authenticity.
However, the police’s intentions extend beyond the court’s warrant. Close sources reveal that the Law and Order unit, reportedly led by a senior detective inspector, had planned to intercept Mhlanga at the Harare Magistrates Court following his scheduled appearance. The unit has already prepared charges against him and has even downloaded his Geneva speech, intending to use it as primary evidence. In a parallel development, a sting counterintelligence team has been deployed to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, poised to arrest the senior journalist upon his return to the country.
The ‘Patriot Act’ A Controversial Legal Weapon
An authoritative contact, who requested anonymity due to security and professional concerns, disclosed that the police intend to charge Mhlanga under Section 22A of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. This section is colloquially known as the “Patriot Act” and is a contentious piece of legislation. It allows for the prosecution of individuals or entities accused of “wilfully injuring the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe” through active participation in meetings, communication, or cooperation with foreign governments or their agents.
Should Mhlanga be convicted under this act, he faces severe penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence, the forfeiture of his citizenship and voting rights, and a permanent ban from holding public office. The implications for press freedom and civil liberties are profound, as this law effectively criminalises engagement with international bodies on matters deemed critical of the state.
However, the legal standing of the “Patriot Act” is not without challenge. In a significant ruling in June 2025, the High Court declared Section 22A(3) of the Act unconstitutional. The court found that this specific subsection violated fundamental freedoms of expression and association, as well as political rights, thereby offering a potential legal bulwark against its application. Despite this ruling, the police’s determination to pursue charges under this act suggests a continued effort to use legal frameworks to suppress critical voices.
A Pattern of Persecution: Mhlanga’s Previous Encounters with the Law
This is not Mhlanga’s first brush with the authorities. In February 2025, he endured a 73-day imprisonment following his arrest for alleged incitement of unrest. This charge stemmed from an interview he conducted with Blessed Geza, a late war veteran and outspoken critic of President Mnangagwa, on his talk show, FreeTalk. Mhlanga was charged under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for “transmitting data messages that incite violence or damage to property.” His release on bail in May 2025, after two months in detention, was a temporary reprieve in what has become a persistent pattern of judicial harassment.
Broader Context: Zimbabwe’s Shrinking Space for Press Freedom
Mhlanga’s case is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of a broader, troubling trend in Zimbabwe where press freedom is increasingly under siege. The government’s response to his Geneva speech, coupled with other recent arrests of journalists, paints a grim picture for independent media in the country.
Information Minister Zhemu Soda, in a statement published by the state-owned newspaper The Herald, condemned Mhlanga’s remarks as “malicious.” Further escalating the pressure, Senator Sengezo Tshabangu publicly announced his intention to pursue a parliamentary motion to revoke Mhlanga’s passport, citing “unpatriotic conduct.”
The international community has not remained silent. Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, a leading organisation within the Geneva Summit coalition, strongly condemned these threats. “These are not abstract criticisms — they are threats of prosecution and restrictions on freedom of movement in retaliation for speaking at the United Nations,” Neuer stated. He emphasised that “No journalist or human rights defender should face criminal charges or passport revocation for cooperating with the UN.” The coalition has formally lodged a complaint with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, urging intervention under the UN’s reprisals framework and requesting that the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights engage directly with the Zimbabwean government.
Recent incidents further underscore the precarious situation for journalists in Zimbabwe:
- Pellagia Mupurwa: On 4 February 2026, Pellagia Mupurwa, a journalist with Zimbo Live, was arrested and detained under Zimbabwe’s cybercrime law. She was accused of “transmitting false data messages intending to cause harm” after conducting interviews with local residents. Although charges were later withdrawn, her arrest highlights the weaponisation of cybercrime legislation against journalists.
- Gideon Madzikatidze: Journalist Gideon Madzikatidze was arrested on 18 February 2026, on charges of cyberbullying. He was denied bail on 2 March 2026 and remanded in custody until 17 March 2026. Amnesty International and MISA Regional have called for his release, arguing that authorities should not use licensing regulations or other legal pretexts to suppress media freedom.
These cases, alongside Mhlanga’s ongoing legal battles, reflect a concerted effort to stifle independent reporting and critical commentary. The World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), consistently ranks Zimbabwe poorly, reflecting the challenging environment journalists face. While Zimbabwe’s ranking improved slightly in 2025 to 106th globally with 52.10 points, up from 116th in 2024, the legal and political pressures remain intense.
Conclusion: A Test of Press Freedom
Blessed Mhlanga’s current predicament is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Zimbabwe. His courage to speak truth to power on an international stage has come at a significant personal cost, placing him once again in the crosshairs of state authorities. The outcome of this latest legal battle will not only determine Mhlanga’s fate but will also serve as a critical barometer for the future of independent journalism and human rights in Zimbabwe. The international community watches closely, as the principles of free expression and accountability are put to the ultimate test.
