By Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga will remain in custody after Justice Mandaza of the High Court of Zimbabwe postponed his bail hearing, citing the need for more time to review the evidence.
Mhlanga, a senior reporter, was arrested on February 24 for allegedly transmitting content that could incite violence. His defense lawyer, Chris Mhike, argued that the case against his client was baseless and lacked evidence, violating his constitutional right to bail.
By Gamuchirai Mapako
At the heart of the case is a YouTube video attributed to HSTV, a media organization Mhlanga works for. The video allegedly contained statements made by war veteran Blessed Geza, which the state claims incited violence. However, Mhike emphasized that Mhlanga was being unfairly targeted and punished for words he did not utter.
The state maintained that Mhlanga was responsible for transmitting the content, despite not generating it. They also argued that his seniority at HSTV made him a person of influence who could interfere with witnesses if released on bail.
Mhike countered that the state’s assumptions were unfounded and that Mhlanga’s arrest was based on a flawed premise. He stressed that the state could not assume Mhlanga’s guilt simply because of his position at HSTV.
The High Court had initially indicated that it would review the videos Mhlanga is accused of transmitting. However, Justice Mandaza later stated that the court would not consider the videos and would instead rely solely on the evidence presented in the magistrate’s court.
A decision on Mhlanga’s bail will be made at a later date, leaving the journalist to remain in custody for the time being.
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