Latest news with #AlphaMediaHoldings
The South African
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Zimbabwean journalist granted bail after two months in detention
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. 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. 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. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Britain's Lord Oates demands accountability for Zim journalist's arrest
British politician and member of the House of Lords, Jonny Oates, has demanded accountability regarding the jailing of Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga. Mhlanga, a journalist who works at Alpha Media Holdings, has now spent 60 days in detention for interviewing a war veteran, Blessed Geza, who wants President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down. Lord Oates spoke during a debate on media freedom in the House of Lords on Thursday. He said the Zimbabwean authorities arrested Mhlanga for no other reason than reporting the truth. 'As we speak, the journalist Blessed Mhlanga has been detained for 59 days and denied his constitutional right to bail,' Lord Oates said. 'His crime is having the temerity to conduct an interview with a former war veteran who opposes President Mnangagwa's desire to extend his term in office and has highlighted the criminal corruption of the regime and the President's family.' He added that he hopes the British government will make it clear that there will be no resumption of normal relations with Zimbabwe while the ZANU-PF regime continues to detain journalists. Lord Oates urged the Parliamentarians to ask the Zimbabwean First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, about Mhlanga's freedom. Auxillia will speak at a summit in London in June. 'I note that the President's wife is due to speak at a summit in London in June,' Lord Oates noted. 'I hope that Members of our Parliament who are choosing to take part will challenge Zimbabwe's First Lady on the continued detention of Blessed Mhlanga and the overall brutality of the regime she represents.' Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
