Tsitsi Patience Mashiri / Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga has been arrested and detained on charges of allegedly transmitting messages likely to incite public violence, sparking condemnation from media rights organizations.

Mhlanga, a prominent journalist, was taken into custody on Monday after voluntarily presenting himself at Harare Central Police Station alongside his lawyer, Chris Mhike. He was subsequently detained and later appeared before a magistrate, who remanded him in custody pending a bail hearing.

The charges stem from an interview Mhlanga conducted with Blessing Geza, a ZANU PF Central Committee member, who openly criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa for failing to address Zimbabwe’s worsening economic crisis. Despite Geza making the comments in question, authorities have not taken any action against him.

The Voice of Media Zimbabwe Chapter has strongly condemned Mhlanga’s arrest, calling for his immediate release. The organization argues that the arrest contradicts Zimbabwe’s constitutional provisions on freedom of expression and access to information, as enshrined in Sections 61 and 62 of the country’s constitution.

“We are appalled that Mhlanga has been targeted as a journalist, while the individual who made the statements remains untouched. This is a clear violation of press freedom,” the media rights body stated.

The arrest has drawn concern from both local and international press organizations, which have rallied in support of Mhlanga. However, Zimbabwean authorities, including the Zimbabwe Media Commission, have remained silent on the matter, further fueling outrage.

Media watchdogs and press freedom advocates have urged the Zimbabwean government, including the Ministry of Information and President Mnangagwa, to intervene and ensure Mhlanga’s release.

His detention has once again raised concerns about the shrinking space for independent journalism in Zimbabwe, where authorities have been accused of using legal mechanisms to stifle critical reporting.

Voice of Media, International President, Sandip Kale has strongly condemned the arrest of Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga, calling it a direct attack on press freedom.

“A journalist’s duty is to ask questions and seek the truth. Arresting and imprisoning a journalist in an authoritarian manner simply for doing his job is completely unacceptable,” Sandip stated.

In response to the arrest, Voice of Media’s governing body is set to engage with Zimbabwean authorities, demanding Mhlanga’s immediate release and seeking justice for the journalist.

Sandip also expressed concern over the growing suppression of journalists worldwide, emphasizing Voice of Media’s commitment to defending press freedom. “Many journalists across the globe are facing similar oppression. Voice of Media is committed to standing up for their rights and fighting against such injustices wherever necessary,” he added.