By 
Prominent Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga, currently detained at Harare Remand Prison, has penned a letter detailing the harsh realities of his 41-day incarceration and his unwavering commitment to his profession.
In the deeply personal account addressed to his friends and fellow Zimbabweans, Mhlanga describes overcrowded cells, battling illness and lice, and the emotional toll of being separated from the world.
Mhlanga states he is suffering from a serious bout of flue in his discomfort of the overcrowded cell, where sleep hardly comes as deep thoughts and lice battle for his attention.
“As I write from this discomfort of my overcrowded cell, I’m suffering from a serious bout of fluewhich has drained my strength and not threatens my inner peace. Sleep hardly comes as deep thoughts and live battle for my attention at the most undesirable times, such is the life I have lived for the past 41 days.” Writes Blessed Mhlanga.
Mhlanga believes he will remain imprisoned longer for the sins of freedoms, particularly that of expression, sharing that he is housed in the D class section with the most dangerous criminals.
The journalist does not shy away from the immense personal struggle, admitting the frustration and pain which at times overwhelm him to tears, anger and pushes me to the edge of emotional breakdown.
“The state has unleashed it’s worst to keep me here and mostly in total disregard of the constitution. I know I will be staying here longer for the sins of freedom, particularly that of expression. I stay in the D class section with the most dangerous criminals.” Writes Blessed Mhlanga behind bars.
Despite the bleak circumstances, Mhlanga expresses profound gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received.
“Honestly, I can’t imagine how I would have survived without your voices of solidarity and love,” he writes.
“Your donations towards my upkeep in this dark place will never be forgotten or taken for granted. My lawyers bring me all your encouraging words and deeds of compassion. I say this without fear of contradicting myself – it is you who have carried me.”
Mhlanga has specifically acknowledged the £4000 raised through a GoFundMe initiative organized by fellow journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, saying his heart is humbled by this act of love, which he has no doubt that I have not earned in any way.
“These efforts have kept my kids in school and fed and spared me from consuming the sad story of food fed to fellow prisoners here,” he writes, describing the rations as hardly passing the definition of meals and not pleasing to the eye.
Despite the personal hardship, Mhlanga remains resolute in his dedication to journalism.
“Although in pain, I remain unshaken and committed to my profession of choice,” he asserts.
“I strongly believe that it’s the ordinary people who matter more than those who control the levers of power. I did not choose journalism, it chose me.” He writes.
“Journalism which is not crime even though criminalised remains a badge of honor, which I am wearing even in my darkest hour here at Harare remand prison.”
Mhlanga’s detention originated from the broadcast of a press conference by his employer, HSTV, where political views expressed by Blessed Runesu Geza were deemed to incite public violence.
Mhlanga clarifies his position, stating, “The state seems to believe I am Hstv and have desended on my case with all their might and strength. I am not Hstv, I remain Blessed Mhlanga and proud employee of HSTV.” Writes Mhlanga.
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