HARARE, Feb. 28 (NewsDay Live) – Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima has denied an application for bail by Alpha Media Holdings senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga.
"It is my considered view that ...given his position at work, if granted bail he is likely to interfere. Of critical importance some of the witnesses have not been retired hence his release will jeopadise investigations," Gwatima said.
Gwitima remanded Mhlanga in custody to March 14, saying his release would be a threat to national security.
He said Mhlanga disseminated messages that were likely to incite violence and breach peace.
Police arrested Mhlanga on Monday after he handed himself over following visits by law enforcement agents to HSTV offices.
They said the charges were linked to the broadcast of press conferences by Zanu PF central committee member Blessed Geza.
Geza, now in hiding, criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa for corruption and incompetence, calling for his resignation.
Mhlanga’s detention under Section 164 of the Criminal Law Code has sparked national outrage, with media organisations and rights groups condemning it as an attack on press freedom.
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