News / National
Blessed Mhlanga detained over incitement charges
3 hrs ago | Views
Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior reporter Blessed Mhlanga has been detained after surrendering himself at Harare Central Police Station on Monday morning.
Mhlanga, who also heads HSTv, AMH's online broadcasting arm, faces charges of publishing material likely to incite public violence. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Chris Mhike, after being summoned by authorities last week.
AMH is the publisher of newspapers, including The Standard, NewsDay, Zimbabwe Independent, and Southern Eye.
Police allege that Mhlanga aired an interview in which outspoken war veteran and Zanu PF central committee member Blessed Geza called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's resignation. Mhlanga is expected to appear in court on Tuesday to answer to the charges.
Authorities have also signaled their intention to arrest Geza over his statements. Analysts believe the charges are part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent within Zanu PF, particularly among those opposed to the push for Mnangagwa to extend his rule to 2030.
Geza represents a faction of war veterans and ruling party members resisting constitutional amendments that could extend Mnangagwa's presidency beyond his current term. His arrest could further deepen divisions within the ruling party as the debate over succession intensifies.
The case has drawn criticism from media freedom advocates, who argue that the charges against Mhlanga are an attempt to stifle independent journalism in Zimbabwe.
Mhlanga, who also heads HSTv, AMH's online broadcasting arm, faces charges of publishing material likely to incite public violence. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Chris Mhike, after being summoned by authorities last week.
AMH is the publisher of newspapers, including The Standard, NewsDay, Zimbabwe Independent, and Southern Eye.
Police allege that Mhlanga aired an interview in which outspoken war veteran and Zanu PF central committee member Blessed Geza called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's resignation. Mhlanga is expected to appear in court on Tuesday to answer to the charges.
Authorities have also signaled their intention to arrest Geza over his statements. Analysts believe the charges are part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent within Zanu PF, particularly among those opposed to the push for Mnangagwa to extend his rule to 2030.
Geza represents a faction of war veterans and ruling party members resisting constitutional amendments that could extend Mnangagwa's presidency beyond his current term. His arrest could further deepen divisions within the ruling party as the debate over succession intensifies.
The case has drawn criticism from media freedom advocates, who argue that the charges against Mhlanga are an attempt to stifle independent journalism in Zimbabwe.
Source - newsday
