HSTV, journalist Mhlanga Constitutional Court referral delayed

Harare Magistrate Sheunesu Matova, on 31 July 2025, ruled in favour of the State, allowing prosecutors more time to respond to an application by journalist Blesssed Mhlanga and Heart & Soul TV (HSTV) for the referral of their case to the Constitutional Court.

According to the NewsDay edition of August 1, 2025, one of the defence lawyers, Beatrice Mtetwa, sought referral of the case to the Constitutional Court.

Mtetwa argued that HSTV required clarity on the lawfulness of Mhlanga’s arrest under the cited charge and legal provisions. The defence also applied for a separate trial for Mhlanga and HSTV.

Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje argued that the defence “ambushed” the State with the applications without prior notice, necessitating more time to review submissions. 

The State is set to file its written response by August 4, with the magistrate set to rule on both applications on August 7.

Mhlanga and HSTV face charges of transmitting messages “likely to incite public violence.” The charge arises from their broadcasting of war veteran Blessed Geza’s press conferences, during which he called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s removal, accusing him of misgovernance, nepotism, and corruption.