Blessed Mhlanga granted $500 bail after prolonged detention

High Court judge Justice Gibson Mandaza has granted bail to Alpha Media Holdings journalist Blessed Mhlanga, ending a weeks-long detention that had drawn widespread criticism from press freedom advocates and legal experts.

Mhlanga was released following a successful bail appeal filed by his legal team, Advocate Thabani Mpofu and Chris Mhike. He had previously been denied bail three times by the lower courts.

"The accused be and is hereby granted bail. He is to deposit US$500 bail with the clerk of court," ruled Justice Mandaza, adding that there were indeed "changed circumstances" justifying the journalist's release.

"I'm of the view that the court a quo misdirected itself. The appellant is a permanent resident of this country," he said. "To allay the fears, the State can place conditions to ensure that he does not interfere and abscond."

Justice Mandaza dismissed the State's fears of potential witness interference, stating that the police docket had already been completed and all witnesses interviewed.

Mhlanga was arrested on charges of transmitting material with the intention of inciting violence, allegedly linked to calls for protests issued by war veteran and activist Blessed Geza. The protests, however, failed to materialize, with normalcy reported across the country.

Advocate Mpofu argued that Mhlanga was being unfairly held in relation to an event that had already passed without incident.

"The charge relates to content linked to a specific event - an event that has come and gone," Mpofu told the court. "The so-called inciting material is tied to a moment that did not lead to any unrest. Yet, what has persisted is the continued detention of the appellant."

He added, "The country remained peaceful. There was no violence. People continued with their daily lives despite the call for a shutdown. If there is no longer any risk of disturbance or interference, why is the appellant still incarcerated?"

Mhlanga has also filed an application seeking direct access to the Constitutional Court, arguing that his arrest and prosecution violate his fundamental rights.

Prosecutor Fungai Nyahunzvi, however, maintained opposition to bail, insisting the State still feared Mhlanga might influence witnesses.

"There is still a genuine concern. Some individuals who responded to the protest calls are before the courts," Nyahunzvi said. "We believe there's a risk the accused could interfere with these witnesses."

Despite this, the judge sided with the defence, concluding that the passage of time and the completion of investigations constituted sufficient grounds for bail.

Mhlanga's release has been welcomed by media watchdogs and rights groups who view his detention as part of a broader crackdown on journalists and civil liberties in Zimbabwe. His next court appearance is expected soon, with the State confirming it is now ready for trial.