Journalist Mhlanga denied bail
21 Mar, 2025
What happened
High Court judge Justice Gibson Mandaza on 21 March 2025 denied the application for bail by detained Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga.
According to NewsDay, in his ruling, Justice Mandaza said:
“It is my view that there was a proper exercise of discretion in this matter by denying the appellant (Mhlanga) bail.
“After careful examination, I did not find any misdirection by the lower court (Magistrates Court).”
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.
Justice Mandaza’s ruling comes after Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, appealed to the High Court against Harare Magistrate Farai Gwitima’s decision on 28 February 2025 to deny the journalist bail.
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.
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The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.
Latest media violations
Those affected:
Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga
Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga
Number affected:
1
1
Perpetrators:
Zimbabwe Republic Police
Zimbabwe Republic Police
Types of actors:
State
State
Location:
Harare
Harare