Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga’s third bail application rejected

HARARE – Incarcerated Alpha Media Holdings senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga who was apprehended after covering a press conference by outspoken former Zanu-PF Central Committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, has been denied bail for the third time.

Mhlanga is accused of transmitting information inciting public violence after the publication he works for, Heart and Soul TV aired Geza’s videos calling for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

According to his lawyer, Chris Mhike, the magistrate presiding over the case cited a lack of changed circumstances and commended the state for progress in its ongoing investigation.

Mhike said the magistrate stated that a trial date is imminent, thereby negating any justification for Mhlanga’s release.

“The Magistrate’s reason is that there were no changed circumstances whatsoever,” Mhike stated.

“He commended the state for making progress in its investigation and said the pronouncement of a trial date is imminent and therefore there is no justification for the release of Blessed Mhlanga.”

Mhlanga is now scheduled to appear in court on April 22, 2025, for notification of his trial date.

Commenting on the denial of bail for Mhlanga, former Finance Minister and constitutional lawyer Tendai Biti has called for the judiciary to be independent.

“Bail is a constitutional right. It can only be denied in exceptional circumstances. We see no compelling reasons to deny bail. We ask that the law remains autonomous. We ask for decent constitutionalism and the rule of law. We ask for justice and Dhara’s (Mhlanga) freedom,” Biti stated.

Geza, a fugitive, has been publicly calling for Mnangagwa to step down citing corruption and economic mismanagement.

He even called for a protest that turned into a massive stay-away across Zimbabwe last week Monday. He recently accused Mnangagwa of suffering from vascular dementia which allegedly makes him forget things.

Geza is wanted by the Zimbabwean police for allegedly inciting public violence and undermining the authority of President Mnangagwa.

Zanu-PF officials believe that Geza is hiding in South Africa where he is reportedly being assisted by exiled former Cabinet Ministers Saviour Kasukuwere and Walter Mzembi.