Journalist Mhlanga trial date set
30 Apr, 2025
What happened
The trial of detained Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga is set to kick off on 14 May 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.
According to his lawyer, Chris Mhike, on 30 April 2025, the State initially indicated that it needed one more postponement because it had now decided to also charge AMH’s Heart and Soul Television (HSTV), which employs Mhlanga.
However, Mhike objected to the postponement of the matter arguing that the State had during the last court appearance on 22 April 2025 promised that there would be no further applications and further remand without allocation of the case to a trial court.
MISA's position
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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