AMH journalist Mhlanga denied bail

Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga was denied bail on 28 February 2025 and remanded in custody to 14 March 2025 by Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima.

Magistrate Gwitima said releasing Mhlanga would put the nation in unrest and undermine peace and security. He said it was not in the interest of justice to grant him bail as that would be prejudicial to the due administration of justice, peace and security.

He said by virtue of Mhlanga’s position at work as a senior reporter, the accused was likely to influence his juniors who are state witnesses. 

Commenting on the denial of bail, his lawyer Chris Mhike said:
“We are deeply disappointed with this outcome. We had hoped for a positive result.
“We respectfully strongly disagree with the court’s findings and conclusions. We are therefore instructed to appeal this decision as soon as possible.”

Mhlanga is facing two counts of contravening Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which pertains to transmitting data messages that incite violence or cause damage to property.

It is alleged that after interviewing war veteran Blessed Geza on 27 January 2025, and again on 11 February 2025, the journalist transmitted Geza’s messages which were inciting violence, through YouTube and HSTV, thereby breaking the law.