Journalist Mhlanga bail appeal hearing adjourned
What happened
The bail hearing for detained Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga was adjourned on 12 March 2025 by High Court Judge Justice Gibson Mandaza.
According to NewsDay, Justice Mandaza said he would advise on the next date for the hearing after reviewing the defence’s request for the electronic and videographic recording forming the basis of the State’s case against Mhlanga.
Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, told Justice Mandaza the evidence would help the court in its verdict from an informed point of view after noting discrepancies between the request for remand form and the alleged video recording being relied on in the case.
background
This comes after his lawyers appealed to the High Court against Harare Magistrate Farai Gwitima’s decision on 28 February 2025 denying the journalist bail.
The magistrate remanded Mhlanga in custody to 14 March 2025.
Mhlanga is facing two counts of contravening Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act which deals with transmitting data messages inciting violence or damage to property.
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Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga
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Zimbabwe Republic Police
State
Harare