Zimbabwean Journalist Blessed Mhlanga Faces Legal Challenges Amidst Press Freedom Concerns

February 18, 2025 – Zimbabwe – 

Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga, associated with Heart and Soul TV (HStv), has recently been at the centre of legal and safety concerns following his interviews with war veteran Blessed Geza and former cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere. These interviews, which included critical commentary on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, have led to a series of police actions against Mhlanga.

On February 17, 2025, three individuals armed with pistols visited HStv’s Harare office searching for Mhlanga. He reported the incident on social media, expressing concern over the armed visit. Subsequently, he was summoned to the police’s Law and Order division. However, after his lawyer’s intervention, the police withdrew the summons.

Despite the withdrawal, on February 24, Mhlanga was arrested and charged with two counts under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, alleging that he transmitted data messages inciting violence or damage to property. These charges stem from the content of his interviews with Geza, who had publicly criticized President Mnangagwa.

On February 28, the High Court denied Mhlanga bail, citing concerns that his release could incite unrest and undermine national security. This decision has raised alarms among media freedom advocates, who view it as a potential infringement on journalistic independence and freedom of expression

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and other organizations have condemned these actions, urging the Zimbabwean authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure that journalists can operate without fear of retribution.

As of now, Mhlanga remains in custody, and his case continues to draw attention from both local and international observers concerned about the state of media freedom in Zimbabwe.

Reference – 

https://misa.org/blog/media_violations/police-withdraw-summons-against-hstv-journalist/

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