Prominent Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga has spent two months in custody after being arrested for conducting and sharing an interview with a known critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The arrest has raised alarm among press freedom advocates, as it follows ongoing concerns about the government’s efforts to suppress dissent, particularly opposition to attempts to extend the president’s rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit.
Mhlanga, 44, who works with Heart and Soul Broadcasting Services (HSTV) under Alpha Media Holdings, was arrested by police on February 24, 2025. Authorities charged him under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, accusing him of transmitting data with the alleged intent to incite violence.
Since his arrest, Mhlanga has remained behind bars—held first by police and now at Harare Remand Prison—for a total of 60 days. Despite multiple legal efforts by his lawyer, Chris Mhike of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, all applications for bail have been denied by the Harare Magistrates Court and the High Court.
In his most recent bid for release, Magistrate Donald Ndirowei ruled that there had been no significant change in circumstances to justify granting bail. The magistrate noted that state prosecutors had made notable progress in building their case and were now ready to proceed to trial, adding that releasing Mhlanga at this point would not serve the interests of justice.
According to prosecutors, the charges stem from an interview Mhlanga allegedly recorded and published featuring Blessed Runesu Geza—a former member of ZANU PF’s central committee and a liberation war veteran—who has been openly critical of President Mnangagwa’s alleged efforts to remain in power beyond the constitutional limit.
The video was reportedly uploaded to YouTube and shared via HSTV’s digital platforms. Authorities claim its publication was aimed at provoking public unrest, although no specific acts of violence have been identified in court.
Media rights organizations and civic groups are closely monitoring the case, warning that it could set a troubling precedent for journalists covering politically sensitive topics in Zimbabwe.
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