Lawyer protests classification of Mhlanga docket as security record

Lawyer Chris Mhike, who is representing detained Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga, questioned on 14 March 2025 why the State classifies the journalist’s docket as a security record.

According to NewsDay, Magistrate Isheanesu Matova stated that this was merely for administrative purposes.

Mhike also requested that the court permit Mhlanga, who has an examination on 19 March 2025, to sit for the examination under the supervision of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service.

However, Magistrate Matova said the defence was asking for something which was beyond his reach. Mhike said he believed the court had authority to grant the application for Mhlanga to write the examination.

The matter was remanded to 4 April 2025.

Meanwhile, Mhlanga’s bail hearing was adjourned on 12 March 2025 by High Court Judge Justice Gibson Mandaza. The appeal hearing has since been scheduled for 17 March 2025 at 11:00 hours.

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 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.