By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Blessed Mhlanga, a well-known journalist with NewsDay, is reportedly unwell and bedridden in prison, two months after his arrest on charges related to his interviews with exiled war veteran Blessed Geza.
Mhlanga was arrested on February 24 and faces two counts of allegedly sharing messages that incite violence or property damage. These charges are linked to interviews he conducted with Geza, which authorities claim crossed legal boundaries.
Despite being in custody for nearly two months, Mhlanga has not yet stood trial and remains behind bars after being denied bail. Authorities state that investigations are still ongoing.
On Thursday, April 24, Heart and Soul TV, Mhlanga’s employer, raised concerns over his declining health in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Word from prison is that @bbmhlanga is unwell and has been bedridden for two days. Freedom—what freedom? For 59 days @bbmhlanga has been in prison with no trial. Bail has been denied, the state says still conducting investigations. We can’t afford to be silent or to lose hope. Speak out share your views,” the statement read.
This is not the first health scare Mhlanga has faced during his incarceration. In March, his lawyer Chris Mhike disclosed that the journalist developed a fever, which left him weak.
Calls for Mhlanga’s release and concerns over his health continue to grow amid ongoing debates regarding press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Zimbabwe which has spilled even in the UK parliament.