By A Correspondent | ZimEye | Alpha Media Holdings senior journalist, Blesses Mhlanga who was arrested on Monday on allegations of publishing an interview containing messages of inciting violence has been sent to Harare Remand Prison awaiting ruling on his bail application.

Mhlanga appeared before Harare magistrate Farai Gwatima who is expected to hand down his ruling on the reporter’s bail application on Thursday.

The state opposed bail telling the court that Mhlanga was likely to intimidate their witnesses who include his junior subordinates.

According to the state, 10 witnesses are lined up to testify against Mhlanga.

Mhlanga got in trouble following his interviews with Blessed Geza of the ruling party who called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation.

Geza is currently in hiding after the police launched a manhunt on him.

Representing the state,  Ruvimbo Matyatya said Mhlanga should remain locked up because the police are yet to recover some of the gadgets he used in doing his story.

“The same machinery which he used in the present case ae yet to be recovered by the police. The procedure to recover the same have commenced,”she said.

Mhlanga’s attorney Chris Mhike said journalism is not a crime.

Mhike said the fact that his client got arrested for simply doing his job was against the laws.

“I urge this court to play its part in upholding the fundamental rights that are enshrined in the Bill of rights.

“The State alleges that if the accused is released he will have access to the equipment and they fear information will be disseminated. 

“Its like going back to the dark ages.

“Accused doesn’t have any pending court cases. 

“He is a law abiding citizen and law abiding citizens should not be punished with detention by individuals and institutions that have a dislike for the profession of journalism,” Mhike said.

The lawyer also said if practicing journalism is deemed to be dangerous then the country has problem that must be rectified by the justice delivery system and those who wield power.

“Zimbabwe defines itself as a democratic Republic under section 1 of the Constitution.

“My client wants his day in court to prove his innocence although the investigating officer has promised fire and trouble for HSTV the accused is ready to exonerate himself through trial,” Mhike said.

The state had called the arresting detail Josphat Chitambira  attached to CID Counter Terrorsim Unit to testify opposing bail.

Chitambira said Mhlanga is influential as such can easily intimidate his juniors.- ZimEye