Top Journalist Blessed Mhlanga Arrested Over Blessed Geza Interview

HStv Journalist Blessed Mhlanga aka Dhara B, has been arrested and will be detained in police custody overnight ahead of his court appearance on Tuesday, his lawyers Chris Mhime said.

The arrest was condemned by Alpha Media Holdings Chairmain, Trevor Ncube.

Alpha Media Holdings owns HStv, an online broadcasting outlet.

Mhlanga is charged with allegedly transmitting data messages inciting violence.

The charges stem from two videos featuring war veteran Blessed Geza that were broadcast by HStv.

Mhlanga turned himself in to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Law and Order section at Harare Central Police Station today Monday morning.

The arrest comes amid growing concerns over press freedom in Zimbabwe.

Amnesty International condemned the arrested and called for Mhlanga to be released immediately.

In a statement on its X handle, Amnesty International Zimbabwe wrote:

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the arrest and detention of Blessed Mhlanga (@bbmhlanga) for merely carrying out his professional duties.

“Authorities must not misuse the justice system to silence Journalists and clampdown on freedom of the media. Freedom of the media is important in advancing human rights. Responsible reporting on the issues that shape people’s lives is a key building block of any free society.

“Amnesty International calls for the immediate release of Blessed Mhlanga and the unconditional dropping of all the charges against him. Journalism is not a crime, and media practitioners should be able to carry out their work without fear of reprisals.”

Alpha Media Holdings Chairmain, Trevor Ncube slammed the authorities in a post on X:

“I condemn in the strongest terms the arrest and detention of @bbmhlanga today. Dhara is spending the night in police custody accused of ‘transmission of data message inciting violence or damage to property.’

“This follows @HStvNews broadcast of an interview with Blessed Geza. This is punishing Dhara for doing his work as a journalist.

“Dhara is a principled and courageous journalist who will not be broken by this brazen harassment and intimidation. #JournalismIsNotACrime.”