Journalist Blessed Mhlanga to Appear in Court for Incitement Charges

Award-winning journalist Blessed Mhlanga is set to appear before the Harare Magistrates Court on Friday, March 14, for a routine remand hearing on charges related to incitement to violence.

During his initial court appearance, Magistrate Farai Gwitima denied him bail, citing concerns that his release could interfere with witness testimonies. Gwitima stated that some witnesses had yet to provide statements and expressed fears that allowing Mhlanga to go free could hinder investigations.

Seeking release, Mhlanga’s legal representatives filed an appeal with the High Court, but his application for bail remains pending. Justice Gibson Mandaza has postponed the decision, awaiting a review of video evidence presented by the State.

His lawyer, Chris Mhike, emphasized the importance of reviewing the video footage, arguing that it could clarify inconsistencies in the prosecution’s claims. However, the State maintained that the defense should have requested the evidence earlier during proceedings at the lower court.

Mhlanga, who serves as the head of news at Heart and Soul TV, was arrested on February 24, 2025. The charges stem from interviews he conducted with war veteran and vocal government critic Blessed Geza. Authorities claim the interviews encouraged violence.

Reports suggest that Mhlanga was arrested while in a Harare suburb, where he was interviewing Geza. The latter is currently evading law enforcement, facing accusations of inciting violence, making statements that allegedly undermine the President, and involvement in a theft case.

Justice Gibson Mandaza is expected to rule on Mhlanga’s bail request once he has reviewed the video evidence, which the State says is crucial to its case. However, Mhike argues that there are inconsistencies between the alleged video content and the formal charges brought against his client.

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