Journalist Blessed Mhlanga’s ordeal continues despite being granted bail. Here’s what happened:
Blessed Mhlanga, a senior journalist with Heart and Soul Television, was granted $500 bail on Tuesday after spending 71 days in prison. However, he remained behind bars on Wednesday morning due to a technical issue with the court order. Prison authorities claimed the order was missing a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) number and needed to be retyped and signed.
Mhlanga was arrested on February 24 for allegedly broadcasting a video statement by war veteran Blessed Geza, who demanded President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s immediate resignation. The journalist faced charges of inciting violence and was denied bail twice before his latest bid for freedom was approved.³
Justice Gibson Mandaza granted Mhlanga bail with conditions, including:
– Depositing $500 bail
– Not interfering with witnesses
– Residing at his given address until the matter is finalized
– Surrendering his passport
– Reporting to the police every Friday at CID Law and Order
Mhlanga’s case has drawn worldwide condemnation, with activists calling for his freedom. The delay in his release highlights the challenges journalists face in Zimbabwe, where press freedom is often restricted.
Source- zimlive
