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ZINEF condemns arrest and detention of Blessed Mhlanga
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The Zimbabwe National Editor's Forum (ZINEF) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist and HStv presenter Blessed Mhlanga, describing it as an attack on press freedom.
Mhlanga was taken into police custody earlier today following his recent interviews with war veterans' leader Blessed Geza and other individuals. Law enforcement authorities indicated that they had been seeking Mhlanga for questioning in relation to alleged violations of Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, which pertains to the transmission of data messages that incite violence.
According to police, the charges stem from statements allegedly made by Geza, a former liberation war veteran and a Zanu-PF central committee member, during interviews conducted on January 27, 2025, and February 11, 2025. Mhlanga was interrogated about the broadcaster's operations and the press conferences addressed by Geza.
Mhlanga, who is represented by lawyer Chris Mhike, is currently being held at Harare Central Police Station and is expected to appear in court tomorrow. Mhike confirmed that his client has been detained overnight in police cells. Meanwhile, Geza is now wanted by police and faces four criminal charges, including undermining the authority of and insulting the President. Authorities have also arrested Geza's wife, Roseline Tawengwa, reportedly in connection with his whereabouts, which remain unknown.
ZINEF expressed deep concern over what it termed as an "unwarranted arrest and harassment" of Mhlanga, emphasizing that he was simply performing his duty as a journalist by interviewing war veterans in the public interest. The media organization highlighted that the interviews were conducted as part of legitimate journalism and media practice.
"Mhlanga's arrest— which has a chilling effect on journalists' professional work— is a clear attack on press freedom and constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly freedom of expression," ZINEF stated. "We demand the immediate release of Mhlanga and call on authorities to ensure he is not harassed, harmed, or tortured while in police custody."
ZINEF further urged the Zimbabwean government to uphold constitutional rights of journalists, particularly media freedom enshrined in Section 61 of the Constitution. This section protects the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and communicate information, as well as press freedom, which allows journalists to protect their sources and establish independent media outlets.
While ZINEF acknowledged that freedom of expression does not extend to inciting violence, promoting hate speech, or damaging reputations, it maintained that Mhlanga's interviews were well within the bounds of media freedom and constitutional rights. The organization also called for a safe and conducive environment for journalists to operate without fear of harassment or intimidation.
"We stand in firm solidarity with Mhlanga, his family, and colleagues, and we will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists' rights and the promotion of press freedom and other democratic rights in Zimbabwe," said ZINEF chairperson Dumisani Muleya.
The arrest of Mhlanga has sparked concerns among media practitioners and human rights groups, who view it as part of a broader crackdown on press freedom in Zimbabwe. Observers will be closely monitoring his court appearance as calls for his release continue to mount.
Mhlanga was taken into police custody earlier today following his recent interviews with war veterans' leader Blessed Geza and other individuals. Law enforcement authorities indicated that they had been seeking Mhlanga for questioning in relation to alleged violations of Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, which pertains to the transmission of data messages that incite violence.
According to police, the charges stem from statements allegedly made by Geza, a former liberation war veteran and a Zanu-PF central committee member, during interviews conducted on January 27, 2025, and February 11, 2025. Mhlanga was interrogated about the broadcaster's operations and the press conferences addressed by Geza.
Mhlanga, who is represented by lawyer Chris Mhike, is currently being held at Harare Central Police Station and is expected to appear in court tomorrow. Mhike confirmed that his client has been detained overnight in police cells. Meanwhile, Geza is now wanted by police and faces four criminal charges, including undermining the authority of and insulting the President. Authorities have also arrested Geza's wife, Roseline Tawengwa, reportedly in connection with his whereabouts, which remain unknown.
ZINEF expressed deep concern over what it termed as an "unwarranted arrest and harassment" of Mhlanga, emphasizing that he was simply performing his duty as a journalist by interviewing war veterans in the public interest. The media organization highlighted that the interviews were conducted as part of legitimate journalism and media practice.
"Mhlanga's arrest— which has a chilling effect on journalists' professional work— is a clear attack on press freedom and constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly freedom of expression," ZINEF stated. "We demand the immediate release of Mhlanga and call on authorities to ensure he is not harassed, harmed, or tortured while in police custody."
ZINEF further urged the Zimbabwean government to uphold constitutional rights of journalists, particularly media freedom enshrined in Section 61 of the Constitution. This section protects the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and communicate information, as well as press freedom, which allows journalists to protect their sources and establish independent media outlets.
While ZINEF acknowledged that freedom of expression does not extend to inciting violence, promoting hate speech, or damaging reputations, it maintained that Mhlanga's interviews were well within the bounds of media freedom and constitutional rights. The organization also called for a safe and conducive environment for journalists to operate without fear of harassment or intimidation.
"We stand in firm solidarity with Mhlanga, his family, and colleagues, and we will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists' rights and the promotion of press freedom and other democratic rights in Zimbabwe," said ZINEF chairperson Dumisani Muleya.
The arrest of Mhlanga has sparked concerns among media practitioners and human rights groups, who view it as part of a broader crackdown on press freedom in Zimbabwe. Observers will be closely monitoring his court appearance as calls for his release continue to mount.
Source - online
