AMH journalists lawyer files application for discharge 

Lawyer Jeremiah Bamu representing AMH journalists Blessed Mhlanga and Chengeto Chidi on 6 July 2022 filed an application for discharge saying the State had failed to prove its case against the journalists.

In his application, Bamu noted that the State did not provide any evidence to prove that the journalists took photographs within a polling station and equally failed to prove what was disorderly about their conduct. 

The application was filed following the closure of the State’s case on 30 June 2022. 

According to Bamu, the State is expected to respond to the application for discharge by 11 July 2022 while the court will give its ruling on 15 July 2022. 

Mhlanga and Chidi are being charged for allegedly contravening Section 25 (a) as read with Section 30 of Statutory Instrument 21/2005 which prohibits taking of photographs within a polling station. The alternative charge is disorderly conduct in a polling station as defined in Section 89 of the Electoral Act.