INCARCERATED HStv senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga, failed to write an examination at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) because he could not be released from Harare Remand Prison to sit for a law degree examination.
Mhlanga is in prison for allegedly inciting violence after Heart & Soul TV (HStv), broadcasted a series of Press conferences held by firebrand war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, whose whereabouts are unknown.
Geza called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down for alleged incompetence, nepotism and failure to rein in corruption.
Police later launched a crackdown against Geza, while Mhlanga was thrown in remand prison, where he has unsuccessful sought his freedom.
Police have said they want Geza to answer to changes of incitement to violence, undermining the authority of the President and theft.
On Tuesday night, Geza resurfaced on the online platform YouTube calling for Mhlanga’s release.
“We are deeply concerned about the arrest of Blessed Mhlanga,” he said.
“We see this as a blatant attempt to muzzle democratic voices.
- Letter to my people: The experiment has failed spectacularly
- Village Rhapsody: Zimbabwean journalists under siege
- AMH journalists arrested
- Letter to my people: The experiment has failed spectacularly
Keep Reading
“We demand the unconditional and immediate release of Mhlanga.”
It also emerged yesterday that Mhlanga missed his criminology and criminal law examination at the UZ.
“Mhlanga, who has been in jail for 23 days for a crime he did not commit, is a law student and had a scheduled exam(ination) today [yesterday],” journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, whom Mhlanga’s family tasked to co-ordinate efforts for his release, posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima remanded Mhlanga in custody saying if released on bail, he can interfere with witnesses.
Media rights groups have called for the immediate release of Mhlanga saying his arrest was an assault on the journalism profession.
Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) chairperson Trevor Ncube said Mhlanga did not commit any crime.
“His harassment and intimidation is supposed to send a message to all journalists and members of the public against speaking out against the pathetic record of this regime,” Ncube posted on X after visiting Mhlanga at remand prison on Tuesday.
AMH are the publishers of the daily NewsDay, weeklies The Standard and Zimbabwe Independent, they also run online radio and television platform HStv.
