Zimbabwean journalist Mhlanga’s trial begins in country’s capital
The trial of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga commenced when he appeared before Magistrate Sheunesu Matova on charges of transmitting data messages inciting violence or damage to property.
Mhlanga is jointly charged with Heart and Soul TV (HSTv) general manager Olga Muteiwa. According to the NewsDay edition of 17 July 2025, the State presented evidence from Edmore Nyazamba, the officer-in-charge of CID Law and Order Harare, who stated that Mhlanga provided facilities to war veteran Blessed Geza to make utterances that incited a mass uprising against the government.
Nyazamba reportedly told the court that the journalist was communicating with Geza through X calls, which are private and cannot be easily intercepted. Mhlanga allegedly told the police that Geza arranged transport for him and his camera team to a venue where the interview was recorded.
Lawyer Chris Mhike argued that the State wrongly charged Mhlanga because he is not a director of HStv. Mhike told the court the alleged video does not implicate Mhlanga and that his client was being unfairly victimised.
The matter was deferred to 31 July 2025 for continuation of trial.