By Victor Fanuel
Harare – The High Court on Tuesday granted journalist Blessed Mhlanga bail, ending his two-month pre-trial detention.
Mhlanga, a reporter with HStv, was ordered to post $500 bail by Justice Gibson Mandaza, who ruled that the journalist was entitled to release pending trial.
Justice Mandaza, after considering submissions from both the defense and prosecution, stated that he found no compelling reason to continue Mhlanga’s incarceration.
“After hearing submissions by both counsel, this court is of the view that the appellant is entitled to bail,” Mandaza ruled.
Mhlanga was arrested on February 24 on allegations of inciting violence after broadcasting a video statement by war veteran Blessed Geza, who demanded President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation.
HStv, the broadcaster he works for, has also been charged in connection with the case.
The journalist had previously been denied bail twice—first by a magistrate and later upon appeal at the High Court—before his latest successful application.
In his ruling, Justice Mandaza dismissed the prosecution’s argument that Mhlanga posed a flight risk, stating that such concerns could be mitigated through stringent bail conditions.
“The appellant is hereby granted bail. He is ordered to deposit US$500 bail, not US$200 as suggested by his counsel,” Mandaza declared.
The court imposed additional conditions, including surrendering his passport to the clerk of court, reporting weekly to the CID Law and Order section every Friday, and refraining from interfering with witnesses.
Mhlanga must also remain at his registered address until the case is concluded.
Mhlanga’s detention had drawn international condemnation, with activists in London, United Kingdom, vowing to protest against Zimbabwe’s First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa during her scheduled visit in June for a conference.
The case has underscored ongoing concerns about press freedom and judicial fairness in Zimbabwe, with media advocates calling for the charges against Mhlanga to be dropped.
