Journalist Mhlanga lawyers appeal bail refusal with the High Court

Lawyers for detained Alpha Media Holdings senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga have appealed to the High Court against Harare Magistrate Farai Gwitima’s decision on 28 February 2025 to deny the journalist bail.

The magistrate remanded Mhlanga in custody to 14 March 2025.

“With the matter now enrolled in the High Court Registry, Mhlanga waits to hear from the court about the identity of the judge/s who will hear the appeal, and about the date of the forthcoming bail appeal,” said his lawyer, Chris Mhike.

In denying him bail, Magistrate Gwitima said it was not in the interest of justice to grant Mhlanga bail as that would be prejudicial to the due administration of justice, peace and security.

He stated that, by virtue of Mhlanga’s position as a senior reporter, the accused was likely to influence his junior colleagues who are state witnesses. 

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.