….Law Weaponised against Journalists
By Delicious Mathuthu
Harare, Zimbabwe – Leading press freedom and human rights organizations are mounting pressure on Zimbabwean authorities demanding the immediate release of detained journalist, Blessed Mhlanga, who has now spent 41 days in custody without trial.
Mhlanga, a senior journalist with Alpha Media Holdings, was arrested on February 24, 2025, and charged under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, for allegedly transmitting messages inciting violence or damage to property.
His arrest followed the broadcast of an interview with a war veteran and senior Zanu-PF member who openly criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a move many believe triggered state retaliation.
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), Amnesty International Zimbabwe, and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe, have issued strong and coordinated statements condemning the continued incarceration of Mhlanga, describing it as an assault on press freedom and a violation of both domestic and international legal obligations.
ZUJ said Mhlanga’s detention “appears increasingly spurious” and aimed at stifling legitimate journalism.
In a statement, the union expressed alarm at the journalist’s extended pre-trial detention and the state’s reluctance to expedite legal proceedings.
“Today’s court appearance, which resulted in yet another remand in custody until April 22nd, further exacerbates our deep concerns,” ZUJ said.
“This continued postponement of justice raises serious questions about the motives behind Blessed’s detention and suggests a deliberate attempt to silence the media.”
Mhlanga’s legal team, led by human rights lawyer, Chris Mhike, filed a third bail application on April 4, arguing that the state had failed to begin investigations, despite initially claiming they would conclude them within 14 days.
The Harare Magistrate, Donald Ndirowei, denied the application on April 7, citing the state’s indication of progress by assigning a trial date.
Amnesty International Zimbabwe issued a strong critique, describing the arrest as “arbitrary” and a clear violation of Zimbabwe’s Constitution and international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“Blessed Mhlanga is being punished simply for doing his job, exercising his right to free speech and press freedom.
“Authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Blessed Mhlanga and drop all charges against him,” Amnesty stated.
The rights group called on the Zimbabwean government to respect its constitutional obligations, including the protection of journalistic freedom and the right to a fair and timely trial.
It also condemned the use of Section 164 as a tool to intimidate journalists and suppress dissent.
MISA Zimbabwe, which like Amnesty International continues to monitor Mhlanga’s case closely, reiterated its concern over the denial of bail and the broader implications for media freedom in the country.
“The denial of bail in the face of an idle investigation highlights systemic abuses and a weaponization of the legal system against journalists,” MISA said.
Observers say the arrest is emblematic of a broader crackdown on critical media voices under President Emmerson Mnangagwa administration, despite constitutional guarantees for freedom of expression.
Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution enshrines press freedom, but civil society organizations note an increase in arrests, surveillance and intimidation of journalists in recent years.
Media watchdogs and human rights defenders warn that continued suppression of the press will further tarnish the country’s democratic credentials and investor confidence.
ZUJ and Amnesty have vowed to intensify advocacy efforts, while urging fellow journalists and citizens to join the #FreeBlessedMhlanga campaign, a growing movement demanding justice and protection for press freedom in Zimbabwe.
