Zimbabwe High Court Grants Bail to Journalist Blessed Mhlanga After More Than Two Months of Detention

After spending more than two months in pre-trial detention, Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga has finally been granted bail.

The High Court ruled in his favor on Tuesday, setting his bail at $500 (approximately R9,130), a decision that comes after previous denials by the court.

Initially, Mhlanga had faced two previous refusals of bail, but High Court Judge Justice Gibson Mandaza overturned the prosecution’s claims that Mhlanga posed a flight risk.

The judge ruled that conditions could be set to prevent him from leaving the country, allowing the journalist to be released.

Court’s Conditions for Mhlanga’s Release

Justice Mandaza emphasized that Mhlanga was entitled to bail, noting, “After hearing submissions by both counsel, this court is of the view that the appellant is entitled to bail.”

While Mhlanga’s legal team had requested bail set at $200 (R3,650), the judge raised the amount to $500.

As part of the conditions, Mhlanga must not interfere with witnesses, and he has been instructed to remain at his current address throughout the case proceedings.

Additionally, he will need to surrender his passport to the clerk of court and report to the police every Friday.

The Arrest that Sparked Outrage

Mhlanga, who works for Alpha Media Holdings, was detained for 72 days after conducting an interview with a war veteran named Blessed Geza.

Geza had called for the resignation of Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The arrest generated international outcry, with many expressing concern about press freedom in Zimbabwe.

Pressure around Mhlanga’s case intensified when activists in London announced plans to confront Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, during her planned visit in June.

The incident has drawn more attention to the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in the country.

The Bigger Picture: Press Freedom at Risk?

The case has sparked widespread debate on the state of press freedom in Zimbabwe.

The arrest of Mhlanga has raised important questions about the safety of journalists and the freedom to report critical voices in the country.