HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an intensive search for Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga, alleging that he contravened Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, which deals with the distribution of harmful data messages. The move comes barely a week after unidentified men stormed Heart and Soul (HSTV) premises in Harare looking for the journalist.
In a statement released on Friday, police appealed for information on Mhlanga’s location, stating that they were keen to interview him. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is seeking information on the location and subsequent interview of journalist Blessed Mhlanga. This is in connection with allegation of contravening Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23,” the statement read. “Anyone with information should contact any nearest police station or the National Complaints Desk.”
Adding to the escalating situation, police have also summoned AMH chief executive officer, Kenias Mafukidze, for questioning after visiting his home on Friday morning. Plain-clothes police details visited Mafukidze’s home before summoning him to the Harare Central Police Station.
The police action against Mhlanga and Mafukidze appears to be linked to Mhlanga’s recent interviews with firebrand war veteran and Zanu PF Central Committee member, Blessed Runesu Geza. In those interviews, Geza issued a bold ultimatum to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, calling for his resignation and accusing him of failing to address corruption, nepotism, and the economic crisis gripping the nation.
Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act ‘focuses on the circulation, broadcast, or distribution of harmful data messages on a computer or information system. This computer system includes email, social media, online articles, websites, databases, digital audio, and electronic documents,” according to one prominent law firm.
Mhlanga, however, maintains that he is not on the run and has pledged to cooperate with the authorities. “Having read the @PoliceZimbabwe statement, (and) having presented myself twice after being requested. I have called Commissioner Nyathi (and) assured him that I will be at CID by 9 am on Monday as I am currently unwell. I am not on the run. I have always complied (with) lawful orders,” Mhlanga wrote on his X account on Friday afternoon.
Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, has also engaged the police, seeking clarification on the charges against his client.
Adding to the drama, Mhlanga revealed that he is currently unwell and receiving medical treatment. “I tripping, I am falling and I can’t get up.” My health is failing me, my mind spinning. I am in a hospital right now. But I am grateful for the support that I have received from you, my employers, and my family. This is a trying time for me. All I am doing is my job,” Mhlanga posted on his X handle, quoting a line from rapper DMX’s song “Slippin'”.
This is not the first time Mhlanga has faced scrutiny from the authorities. Earlier this month, he was summoned to the Harare Central Police Station regarding a six-year-old case involving former Finance deputy minister Terrence Mukupe. In that case, Mhlanga was, in fact, the victim.
It was after this second summons that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson and deputy chief secretary to the Office of The President and Cabinet, George Charamba, said he had engaged and called police boss Stephen Mutamba to resolve the matter on behalf of Mhlanga.
“When the matter was drawn to my attention on Monday, I engaged the Police Commissioner General who was quick to look into the matter. We thank the police for this. At the same time, we continue to urge our journalists to act within the law. It is common cause that a person on police wanted-list ceases to be a legitimate interviewee until after he is cleared,” Charamba wrote on his pseudo X account trading as Dhonzamusoro.
