By A Correspondent

Harare magistrate Farai Gwatima has denied bail to journalist Blessed Mhlanga and remanded him in custody until March 14.

The magistrate argued that releasing the accused would disturb the nation’s peace and security, potentially leading to unrest.

Mhlanga, a journalist with Alpha Media Holdings, has faced intimidation from State Security agents due to his work interviewing political figures.

Mhlanga, who works for the HStv platform, was arrested on February 24, 2025, under accusations of violating Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. Authorities allege that he transmitted messages that incite violence, linked to interviews with war veterans’ leader Blessed Geza and others.

The police investigation follows remarks made during interviews on January 27, 2025, and February 11, 2025, in which Geza, a former liberation war veteran and Zanu PF central committee member, allegedly made inflammatory statements. During the interrogation, the police focused on Mhlanga’s role as a journalist and the press conferences held by Geza.