News / National
Zimbabwe police summon AMH CEO as journalist faces manhunt
17 hrs ago | Views
Police have summoned Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) chief executive officer, Kenias Mafukidze, for questioning after plain-clothes officers visited his home on Friday morning. The visit comes amid a police hunt for AMH senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga, accused of distributing content deemed harmful to the state.
Mafukidze was instructed to report to the Harare Central Police Station following the visit by law enforcement officers. His summons coincided with a statement from police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who announced a manhunt for Mhlanga over alleged violations of Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Mhlanga, responding to the police's statement, denied being on the run and stated that he would present himself to authorities on Monday as he was unwell.
“Having read the @PoliceZimbabwe statement, (and) having presented myself twice after being requested. I have called Commissioner Nyathi (and) assured him that I will be at CID by 9 am on Monday as I am currently unwell. I am not on the run. I have always complied (with) lawful orders,” Mhlanga wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Section 164 of the Criminal Law Act pertains to the circulation, broadcast, or distribution of harmful data messages via computer or information systems, which include email, social media, online articles, websites, and other digital platforms.
The latest developments come after Mhlanga recently conducted an interview with Zanu-PF central committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who issued an ultimatum for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.
Earlier this week, armed security personnel visited HSTV studios - AMH's broadcasting unit - twice in search of Mhlanga, causing alarm in the newsroom. On Thursday, three armed individuals entered the HSTV office looking for him, adding to the growing concerns over press freedom.
Mhlanga has been targeted before, having been called to Harare Central Police Station earlier this month regarding a six-year-old case involving former Finance deputy minister Terrence Mukupe.
The situation has sparked fears of increasing pressure on independent media in Zimbabwe, with AMH executives and journalists coming under heightened scrutiny.
Mafukidze was instructed to report to the Harare Central Police Station following the visit by law enforcement officers. His summons coincided with a statement from police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who announced a manhunt for Mhlanga over alleged violations of Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Mhlanga, responding to the police's statement, denied being on the run and stated that he would present himself to authorities on Monday as he was unwell.
“Having read the @PoliceZimbabwe statement, (and) having presented myself twice after being requested. I have called Commissioner Nyathi (and) assured him that I will be at CID by 9 am on Monday as I am currently unwell. I am not on the run. I have always complied (with) lawful orders,” Mhlanga wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
The latest developments come after Mhlanga recently conducted an interview with Zanu-PF central committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who issued an ultimatum for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.
Earlier this week, armed security personnel visited HSTV studios - AMH's broadcasting unit - twice in search of Mhlanga, causing alarm in the newsroom. On Thursday, three armed individuals entered the HSTV office looking for him, adding to the growing concerns over press freedom.
Mhlanga has been targeted before, having been called to Harare Central Police Station earlier this month regarding a six-year-old case involving former Finance deputy minister Terrence Mukupe.
The situation has sparked fears of increasing pressure on independent media in Zimbabwe, with AMH executives and journalists coming under heightened scrutiny.
Source - newsday
