The arrest and detention of journalist Blessed Mhlanga have sparked outrage from media freedom advocates, with calls for his immediate release intensifying.
Mhlanga, a presenter for Alpha Media Holdings’ online platform HStv, was taken into custody on Monday after conducting interviews with war veterans, including ruling party official Blessed Geza.
Police allege that Mhlanga violated Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, accusing him of transmitting data messages that incite violence.
However,the Zimbabwe National Editors Forum (ZINEF) and Amnesty International, have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
According to ZINEF, the charges stem from statements made by Geza during interviews on January 27 and February 11, 2025.
Authorities claim that the remarks were inflammatory, though no specific details of the alleged incitement have been made public.
Police have since issued an arrest warrant for Geza, who faces additional charges, including undermining the authority of and insulting the President.
In a further twist, Geza’s wife, Roseline Tawengwa, was also detained as police sought information on her husband’s whereabouts.
Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, confirmed that the journalist was being held overnight at Harare Central Police Station and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
In a strongly worded statement,ZINEF denounced Mhlanga’s arrest as an attempt to muzzle journalists performing their duties.
“This is an unwarranted attack on press freedom and constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly freedom of expression,” said Dumisani Muleya, ZINEF chairperson.
ZINEF urged authorities to release Mhlanga immediately and to ensure his safety while in custody.
The organization said the journalist was conducting legitimate interviews in the public interest and should not be criminalised for his work.
The group also called on the government to uphold Section 61 of the Constitution, which guarantees media freedom, and to create a safe working environment for journalists.
Amnesty International echoed ZINEF’s concerns, warning against the misuse of the justice system to suppress media freedoms.
“Authorities must not misuse the justice system to silence journalists. Freedom of the media is essential to human rights and democracy,” the organization said in a statement.
The international rights group demanded Mhlanga’s immediate and unconditional release, stressing that journalism is not a crime.
While the government insists that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly, critics argue that legal provisions meant to prevent incitement are being weaponised against the media.
