HStv, Blessed Mhlanga trial resumes

The trial of senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga of Alpha Media Holdings and HStv general manager Olga Muteiwa resumed yesterday, with the State's key witness facing intense cross-examination over allegations that the pair transmitted messages purportedly capable of inciting public violence.

The case, which was heard before Harare magistrate Sheunesu Matova, centres on two press conferences by outspoken war veteran Blessed "Bombshell" Geza, which were recorded and broadcast on HStv. Geza is alleged to have urged Zimbabweans to push for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of corruption, nepotism and misgovernance.

State witness Edmore Nyadzamba, officer-in-charge of CID Law and Order in Harare, told the court that Mhlanga helped facilitate Geza's statements and provided a platform for them to be disseminated on digital media. He claimed the transmissions had the potential to incite public revolt.

The defence, represented by lawyers Chris Mhike, Douglas Coltart and Beatrice Mtetwa, disputed the State's assertions, arguing that Mhlanga had no active role in making the statements and was simply carrying out his work as a journalist. Mhike questioned why the journalist was being personally charged when he neither uttered the words nor owns HStv.

Mhike further argued that Nyadzamba's testimony did not align with his earlier warned-and-cautioned statement. He accused the police of poor investigation driven by malice, telling the court that Mhlanga was being victimised for performing constitutionally protected journalistic duties.

The defence also noted that Nyadzamba failed to execute a search warrant and could not state where the alleged offence was committed. At one point, the witness declined to read a defence document, saying he had forgotten his spectacles and could not see clearly. Mhike dismissed Nyadzamba's testimony as inconsistent and unconvincing for an investigating officer.

Nyadzamba confirmed that police interviewed Mhlanga and obtained his home address but did not explain why searches were not carried out. The defence told the court that nowhere in the State papers does Mhlanga admit to participating in Geza's press statements.

The case - which hinges on whether broadcasting controversial political commentary constitutes incitement - continues today, with further cross-examination expected as both sides contest the limits of media freedom and criminal liability in digital journalism.