A Zimbabwean High Court has granted bail to journalist Blessed Mhlanga, detained for over two months after airing criticism of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Justice Gibson Mandaza, who had earlier denied bail, reversed his decision on Tuesday, citing a misjudgement and changed circumstances. Mhlanga was released on $500 bail.
His arrest on February 24 drew sharp condemnation from press freedom advocates who viewed it as part of a broader crackdown on dissent in the country.
Authorities had accused Mhlanga of inciting unrest by interviewing opposition figure Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, a war veteran expelled from the ruling Zanu-PF party.
In the interview, Geza—clad in military fatigues—called for nationwide protests and a shutdown to demand Mnangagwa’s resignation before 2028.
Although the March 31 demonstrations drew limited participation, police detained nearly 100 protesters amid a heavy security presence.
Mhlanga, a prominent journalist for Heart and Soul Television (HStv), faces trial on May 14, while his media outlet also faces legal action for airing the segment.
Rights group Reporters Without Borders condemned the charges as politically motivated, describing Mhlanga as “wrongfully accused” in an increasingly repressive media environment.
Zimbabwe ranks 116th in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, with watchdogs warning of deepening censorship since Mnangagwa’s re-election last year.
As public trust erodes and critical voices face legal peril, Mhlanga’s release offers a fleeting glimpse of relief in an otherwise tightening grip on the nation’s press.
