A Zimbabwean court has refused to grant bail to journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who has been detained since Monday on charges of inciting violence.
Mhlanga, who works for Heart and Soul Television (HStv), was arrested after interviewing Blessed Geza, a senior member of the ruling Zanu-PF party, who called for the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In his interview, Geza suggested that Mnangagwa should step down peacefully or face potential resistance from the public.
The court, however, ruled that the interview’s content could incite violence, with Magistrate Farai Gwatima stating that releasing Mhlanga would put the nation in unrest and threaten peace and security.
Mhlanga is set to appear in court again on March 14, but the decision to deny him bail has raised concerns over the country’s growing authoritarianism.
The journalist’s supporters argue that he was merely exercising his rights as a member of the press, and his detention undermines freedom of expression.
Geza, who has since gone into hiding, faces a possible arrest by police, who have already detained his wife.
The case has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates, with the chairman of Alpha Media Holdings, Trevor Ncube, calling the situation heartbreaking and emphasising that Mhlanga is simply doing his job.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also condemned the charges against Mhlanga, urging his immediate release and highlighting the growing threats to press freedom in Zimbabwe.
