Zimbabwean journalist jailed overnight for alleged incitement

In a case raising fresh concerns over press freedom in Zimbabwe, journalist Blessed Mhlanga spent Monday night in police custody after being charged with allegedly inciting violence through online broadcasts.

His legal representatives have confirmed that he will appear in court today (Tuesday).

Charges Linked to Video Broadcasts

Mhlanga, who works for Alpha Media Holdings, faces accusations of transmitting data messages intended to incite violence. HStv, a media platform owned by Alpha Media Holdings, aired two video broadcasts featuring war veteran Blessed Geza, leading to the charges.

Zimbabwean Journalist’s Voluntary Surrender to Police

According to his lawyer, Chris Mhike, Mhlanga voluntarily presented himself at the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Law and Order division. He arrived at Harare Central Police Station on Monday morning. Authorities have charged him under Section 164 of the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Act (Cap 12:07) for the “transmission of a data message inciting violence or damage to property.”

Mhlanga had been under police scrutiny for weeks after covering press conferences held by Geza, a dissenting Zanu PF member. Since last month, Geza has been vocal in his criticism of Zanu PF’s efforts to secure a third term for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, calling for him to step down.

A Pattern of Targeting Zimbabwean Journalists

Mhlanga’s arrest reflects a disturbing trend of authorities arresting Zimbabwean journalists for their work.

Authorities have arrested award-winning investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono multiple times. In 2020, they arrested him after he exposed corruption in COVID-19 procurement deals. They charged him with inciting public violence for supporting anti-government protests on social media.

Jeffrey Moyo, a reporter for The New York Times, was arrested in 2021 and held in prison for weeks. They accused him of violating immigration laws by allegedly assisting foreign journalists in obtaining media credentials.

Police also targeted Mduduzi Mathuthu, editor of ZimLive, in 2020 after he reported on government corruption. Police raided his home and allegedly harassed his relatives to force him into hiding.

Press Freedom Under Threat

Mhlanga’s arrest has intensified concerns about the state of press freedom in Zimbabwe. Journalists there frequently face intimidation, harassment, and legal action for their reporting.

Do you think journalists need to be more protected?

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