HARARE, Zimbabwe — A High Court judge has reserved judgment in the bail appeal of journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who has been in detention for more than 21 days on allegations of transmitting a video with the intent to incite violence.
Mhlanga, 44, was arrested on February 24 by Zimbabwe Republic Police and is accused of unlawfully recording a video of Blessed Runesu Geza and allegedly distributing it on YouTube and Heart and Soul Broadcasting Services. Authorities charged him under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
His lawyer, Chris Mhike, told the court that Mhlanga is unwell. “He is sick and has developed a terrible fever while in prison,” Mhike said, urging the court to grant bail.
Mhlanga has spent more than 20 days in detention as determination of his freedom bid remains pending at the High Court.
On February 28, Harare Magistrate Farai Gwitima denied Mhlanga bail. Mhike appealed the ruling on March 7, arguing that there were no compelling reasons to justify his continued detention. The appeal has faced delays, including an attempt by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to transfer the case to the High Court’s Anti-Corruption Court, a move Mhike opposed, saying the charges were unrelated to corruption. High Court Judge Gibson Mandaza dismissed the NPA’s application and ruled that the bail appeal would proceed in the regular bail court.
On March 17, Mandaza resumed hearing the case but ruled that the High Court would not review the video evidence at the center of the state’s case, as it was not part of the lower court’s record. Mhike presented final arguments in favor of bail, while state prosecutor Fungai Nyahunzvi opposed the appeal, insisting Mhlanga should remain in custody.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Mandaza reserved judgment, saying he would notify all parties once a decision is ready.
Mhlanga remains in detention as he awaits the ruling.
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