Trevor Ncube challenges Zimbabwe police to arrest him

Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) publisher, Trevor Ncube, has vehemently defended his reporter, Blessed Mhlanga, who remains in custody after being denied bail by a Harare magistrate. Ncube, who previously served as President Emmerson Mnangagwa's advisor, told journalists at the Harare Magistrates Court that Mhlanga, as a journalist, should not be held responsible for his reporting. Ncube insisted that he, as the publisher, should be the one facing legal action, not the reporter.

Mhlanga, who was arrested on Monday after voluntarily handing himself over to the police, faces charges of inciting violence. The charges stem from his interviews with outspoken war veteran, Blessed Runesu Geza, who publicly called for President Mnangagwa to step down. The police allege that Mhlanga's coverage of these interviews contributed to inciting unrest.

Speaking outside the court, Ncube made it clear that Mhlanga was simply carrying out his duties as a journalist, a profession protected by the Constitution. He emphasized that Mhlanga should not be blamed for broadcasting content but rather the publisher, who controls the platform.

"Blessed is not AMH. He's just a journalist practicing his profession, which is constitutionally protected, just like you guys are doing here, broadcasting to the public at home. You can't be accused of inciting the public for broadcasting what I'm saying right now," Ncube remarked.

He further challenged the police and the courts to arrest him instead, reiterating that the responsibility for content should lie with him as the publisher, not the journalist who transmits information. Ncube expressed disappointment over Mhlanga's denial of bail and the alleged selective application of the law, claiming the judicial system failed to uphold press freedom and freedom of expression.

"I am the one who should be brought before the courts, not the journalists who transmit the information. So, I'm disappointed in that regard, but this is the reality that we are in right now," Ncube said.

The media entrepreneur also voiced concerns about the control he believes President Mnangagwa exerts over the judiciary. Ncube suggested that Mnangagwa's influence over the courts, military, and police is preventing justice from being served. He criticized the judiciary's failure to recognize the fundamental right to freedom of expression and press freedom.

"Unfortunately, President Mnangagwa owns the courts. They have said they own the military; they own the police, they will do as they please," Ncube added. "What we saw happening today is not fair; it is not justice, and our Constitution does not support what has just taken place here."

Mhlanga's bail application was rejected by Harare Magistrate Farai Gwitima, who stated that Mhlanga posed a risk of interfering with witnesses, particularly those who work under him, and that his release could disturb the peace in Zimbabwe. In response, Mhlanga's lawyer, Chris Mhike, announced plans to appeal the decision at the High Court.

Mhlanga's next court appearance is scheduled for March 14, where he will face a routine remand hearing. As the legal battle continues, Ncube's vocal support for Mhlanga highlights the growing concerns over press freedom and judicial independence in Zimbabwe.