HARARE – After 72 days in custody High Court Judge Justice Gibson Mandaza has finally released HSTV journalist Blessed Mhlanga on US$500 bail.
“The accused be and is hereby granted bail. He is to deposit US$500 bail with the clerk of court,” ruled Justice Mandaza, adding that there were indeed “changed circumstances” justifying the journalist’s release.
“I’m of the view that the court a quo misdirected itself. The appellant is a permanent resident of this country,” he said. “To allay the fears, the State can place conditions to ensure that he does not interfere and abscond.”
Mhlanga was arrested “on charges of transmitting material with the intention of inciting violence” after he interviewed militant war veteran Blessed Geza who called for protests demanding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation.
His lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu however argued that; “The charge relates to content linked to a specific event – an event that has come and gone.
“The so-called inciting material is tied to a moment that did not lead to any unrest. Yet, what has persisted is the continued detention of the appellant.
“The country remained peaceful. There was no violence. People continued with their daily lives despite the call for a shutdown. If there is no longer any risk of disturbance or interference, why is the appellant still incarcerated?” Mpofu argued.
Prosecutor Fungai Nyahunzvi tried to justify Mhlanga’s continued incarceration claiming the State still feared the journalist might influence witnesses.
“There is still a genuine concern. Some individuals who responded to the protest calls are before the courts. We believe there’s a risk the accused could interfere with these witnesses.”
