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Blessed Mhlanga, HStv cases merged
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The trial of journalist Blessed Mhlanga and Heart & Soul TV (HStv) will now proceed as a joint matter after the Harare Magistrates Court ruled in favor of the State's application to merge the two cases.
Magistrate Learnmore Mapiye delivered the ruling yesterday, stating that consolidating the charges was "in the interest of justice."
The State, represented by prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, argued that the evidence against both parties was closely linked and warranted a joint trial.
"It is my view that merging the two records will not prejudice the accused persons but rather serve the interest of justice," the court said.
Following the ruling, Mhlanga and HStv will appear in court as the first and second accused, respectively, when the trial commences on June 17.
Earlier, the defence teams, comprising Chris Mhike for Mhlanga and Beatrice Mtetwa representing HStv, had opposed the merger. They contended that the two were arrested and charged separately and that Mhlanga had prepared to stand trial alone.
Despite these objections, Magistrate Mapiye sided with the prosecution, noting that the charges against both parties stem from the same facts and would be best handled together.
Mhlanga and HStv face charges of transmitting messages likely to incite public violence.
The charges relate to two press conferences held by outspoken war veteran Blessed "Bombshell" Geza, which Mhlanga covered and were broadcast on HStv.
During the press conferences, Geza called on Zimbabweans to push for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of misgovernance, nepotism, and presiding over a corrupt administration.
Police have indicated plans to arrest and charge Geza for incitement.
The State alleges that the press conferences violated broadcasting and public order laws.
Magistrate Learnmore Mapiye delivered the ruling yesterday, stating that consolidating the charges was "in the interest of justice."
The State, represented by prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, argued that the evidence against both parties was closely linked and warranted a joint trial.
"It is my view that merging the two records will not prejudice the accused persons but rather serve the interest of justice," the court said.
Following the ruling, Mhlanga and HStv will appear in court as the first and second accused, respectively, when the trial commences on June 17.
Earlier, the defence teams, comprising Chris Mhike for Mhlanga and Beatrice Mtetwa representing HStv, had opposed the merger. They contended that the two were arrested and charged separately and that Mhlanga had prepared to stand trial alone.
Despite these objections, Magistrate Mapiye sided with the prosecution, noting that the charges against both parties stem from the same facts and would be best handled together.
Mhlanga and HStv face charges of transmitting messages likely to incite public violence.
The charges relate to two press conferences held by outspoken war veteran Blessed "Bombshell" Geza, which Mhlanga covered and were broadcast on HStv.
During the press conferences, Geza called on Zimbabweans to push for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of misgovernance, nepotism, and presiding over a corrupt administration.
Police have indicated plans to arrest and charge Geza for incitement.
The State alleges that the press conferences violated broadcasting and public order laws.
Source - newsday
