By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Blessed Mhlanga, a senior journalist with ALPHA Media Holdings, is set to appeal for bail at the High Court today after being denied bail by a lower court.
Mhlanga’s legal representation, Chris Mhike from Atherstone & Cook, is contesting the decision made by Magistrate Farai Gwitima, asserting that there were no compelling reasons to justify Mhlanga’s continued detention.
Mhlanga argues that the magistrate erred in concluding that he would interfere with witnesses simply due to his position as a senior political reporter, whose colleagues might be potential witnesses in the case against him.
He also claims the lower court misdirected itself by interpreting consent to remand as an admission of guilt or reasonable suspicion regarding the allegations.
During the previous proceedings, Mhlanga denied transmitting the relevant messages linked to the case, but maintains that the magistrate overlooked this denial.
His arrest occurred on February 24 while he was reporting on press conferences led by expelled Zanu PF central committee member Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, who called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation over allegations of corruption and misgovernance.
As the matter remains pending, Mhlanga’s appeal in the High Court seeks to overturn the initial decision and secure his release on bail.