HARARE — Journalist Blessed Mhlanga has been granted bail of US$500 by Harare High Court Judge Gibson Mandaza, ending his 71-day detention that began on February 24.
Mhlanga, a senior journalist at Heart and Soul Television (HStv), faces charges of “transmission of information likely to cause public violence” related to two interviews he conducted with war veteran leader Blessed Geza.
The interviews, broadcast on January 27 and February 11, featured Geza calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation, accusing him of corruption, economic mismanagement, and attempting to extend his presidential term beyond 2028.
The court has set May 14 as the trial date for hearing the case.
Mhlanga’s arrest in February came after he voluntarily presented himself to police following a summons. His initial bail applications had been denied by both the Magistrates Court and the High Court.
Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima originally denied Mhlanga bail, claiming he was likely to interfere with witnesses and that his release could undermine peace and security in the country.
On March 21, High Court Judge Gibson Mandaza upheld the lower court’s decision, dismissing Mhlanga’s bail appeal despite arguments from his lawyer, Chris Mhike, that there were no compelling reasons to justify his continued detention.
If convicted, Mhlanga faces up to five years imprisonment and a fine of approximately US$700 under Zimbabwe’s 2021 Cyber and Data Protection Act.
Media rights organizations have consistently condemned Mhlanga’s arrest, describing it as part of a broader crackdown on press freedom in Zimbabwe. Local and international press advocacy groups have called for all charges against him to be dropped.
The case has drawn significant attention to concerns about media freedom in Zimbabwe, with many observers noting that Geza, whose comments formed the basis of the charges against Mhlanga, remains free despite making similar statements in other forums.
Mhlanga’s release on bail comes as a relief to media colleagues and press freedom activists who have been campaigning for his freedom since his February arrest.
