The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is calling for the immediate release of broadcast journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who has been in custody since February 24 on incitement charges related to interviews he conducted with a war veteran critical of Zimbabwe’s government.
Mhlanga, who works for the privately owned Heart and Soul TV, was arrested after responding to a police summons. Authorities had been searching for him since February 17, when three armed men reportedly came to his office. Police later issued a public statement seeking information about his whereabouts.
According to the Zimbabwe chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights network, Mhlanga faces two counts of transmitting data messages “inciting violence or damage to property.” The charges stem from interviews conducted in November 2024 and January 2025 with Blessed Geza, a veteran of Zimbabwe’s independence war, who called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation, citing allegations of nepotism, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
“It is absolutely shameful that Blessed Mhlanga has been thrown behind bars simply because he gave voice to a war veteran’s criticism of Zimbabwe’s government,” said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo. “Zimbabwean authorities should free Mhlanga unconditionally and respond to their citizens’ concerns, rather than punishing the messenger.”
Prosecutors opposed Mhlanga’s bail application on February 25, arguing he was a flight risk. The court is expected to rule on his bail application on February 27. If convicted under the 2021 Cyber and Data Protection Act, Mhlanga could face up to five years imprisonment and a fine of approximately US$700.
This is not Mhlanga’s first encounter with authorities—he was previously assaulted and arrested in 2022 while covering the attempted arrest of an opposition politician.
CPJ’s attempts to reach Zimbabwe’s National Prosecution Authority and police spokespersons for comment were unsuccessful.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
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