Journalists Mhlanga denied bail

Detained Alpha Media Holdings senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga was denied bail on 7 April 2025 by Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei.

Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, applied for bail for the third time on 4 April 2025, citing changed circumstances, including the passage of time and the fact that the State had not commenced its investigations.

Mhike had argued that during the journalist’s initial court appearance on 25 February 2025, the investigating officer indicated that he needed 14 days to complete investigations.

However, according to NewsDay, Magistrate Ndirowei said the State had shown progress by giving Mhlanga a trial date. He remanded the matter to April 22 for provision of a trial date.

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.