Zimbabwean journalist granted bail after two months in jail

Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga has been granted bail after spending two months in pre-trial detention…

Zimbabwean Journalist Blessed Mhlanga. Images via X@TrevorNcube and @molokele

The Zimbabwean High Court has ended journalist Blessed Mhlanga’s pre-trial detention, which lasted for more than two months.

The court released Mhlanga on $500 (R9 130) bail.

Zim Journalist released on bail

According to ZimLive, the magistrate and the High Court initially denied the Zimbabwean journalist bail two times.

On Tuesday, High Court Judge Justice Gibson Mandaza rejected the prosecution’s arguments that Mhlanga would run away once granted bail. The judge ruled that they could prevent him from leaving by setting conditions.

“After hearing submissions by both counsel, this court is of the view that the appellant is entitled to bail,” the judge said.

“The appellant is hereby granted bail. He is ordered to deposit US$500 (R9 130) bail, not US$200 (R3 650) as has been suggested by his counsel.”

Mandaza ordered the journalist to avoid interfering with witnesses. He also instructed him to continue residing at the given address until the end of the matter.

The judge further ordered the journalist to surrender his passport to the clerk of court and to report to the police once every Friday.

Understanding the Zimbabwean Journalist’s arrest

Mhlanga, a journalist who works at Alpha Media Holdings, had spent 72 days in detention for interviewing a war veteran, Blessed Geza, who wants President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.

News of Mhlanga’s arrest sparked widespread condemnation internationally. Adding to the pressure, activists in London, United Kingdom, had made it known they intended to confront the First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, during her upcoming conference visit in June.