News / National
Zimbabwe police hunt for journalist Blessed Mhlanga
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Zimbabwean police have launched a manhunt for senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga of Alpha Media Holdings, accusing him of distributing content deemed harmful to the state.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed in a statement that authorities are seeking information on Mhlanga's whereabouts, citing alleged violations of Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The law criminalizes the circulation, broadcast, or distribution of harmful data messages through digital platforms, including social media, emails, websites, and online publications.
The crackdown on Mhlanga follows his recent interview with Zanu-PF central committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who publicly demanded that President Emmerson Mnangagwa step down. The explosive interview has sparked heightened political tensions amid ongoing succession battles within the ruling party.
This week, armed security personnel twice visited HStv studios, where Mhlanga works, in an attempt to locate him. On Thursday, three armed individuals arrived at the media house, causing alarm among staff.
Later that evening, Mhlanga took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal that he had been hospitalized, quoting lyrics from rapper DMX's song Slippin':
"I'm tripping, I'm falling, and I can't get up."
He added, "My health is failing me, my mind is spinning. I am in a hospital right now. But I am grateful for the support that I have received from you, my employers, and my family. This is a trying time for me. All I am doing is my job."
Mhlanga has faced legal pressure before. Earlier this month, he was summoned to Harare Central Police Station over a six-year-old case involving former Finance Deputy Minister Terrence Mukupe.
His current predicament raises concerns over press freedom in Zimbabwe, with critics warning that the state is intensifying its crackdown on journalists covering sensitive political issues.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed in a statement that authorities are seeking information on Mhlanga's whereabouts, citing alleged violations of Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The law criminalizes the circulation, broadcast, or distribution of harmful data messages through digital platforms, including social media, emails, websites, and online publications.
The crackdown on Mhlanga follows his recent interview with Zanu-PF central committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who publicly demanded that President Emmerson Mnangagwa step down. The explosive interview has sparked heightened political tensions amid ongoing succession battles within the ruling party.
This week, armed security personnel twice visited HStv studios, where Mhlanga works, in an attempt to locate him. On Thursday, three armed individuals arrived at the media house, causing alarm among staff.
"I'm tripping, I'm falling, and I can't get up."
He added, "My health is failing me, my mind is spinning. I am in a hospital right now. But I am grateful for the support that I have received from you, my employers, and my family. This is a trying time for me. All I am doing is my job."
Mhlanga has faced legal pressure before. Earlier this month, he was summoned to Harare Central Police Station over a six-year-old case involving former Finance Deputy Minister Terrence Mukupe.
His current predicament raises concerns over press freedom in Zimbabwe, with critics warning that the state is intensifying its crackdown on journalists covering sensitive political issues.
Source - online
