HARARE – Journalist Blessed Mhlanga was returned to jail on Wednesday after a judge asked for more time to give his verdict on a defence application to be furnished with critical evidence used by police to charge him with incitement to commit public violence.
Mhlanga’s lawyer Chris Mhike demanded the release of further particulars which include electronic and video recordings forming the basis of the charges.
The lawyer wants this evidence to strengthen their application for bail.
Mhlanga was arrested on February 24.
The prosecution alleges that Mhlanga conducted interviews with a group of war veterans led by Zanu PF MP central committee member Blessed Geza, since expelled from the party, in which the liberation veterans called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s immediate resignation and threatened to lead mass protests for his ouster.
Mhike said the requested evidence will help his client’s case as what was uttered in the videos is not the same as what was written on the request for remand forms.
The lawyer also said this evidence will guide the court in coming up with its determination on the journalist’s bail application.
“The prosecution has a warned and cautioned statement which they cannot release because of the privilege they have on the docket,” Mhike said.
“We believe the video graphic evidence will cure our arguments,” the lawyer added.
Prosecutors opposed the application, insisting that the defence lawyers should have made the request at Mhlanga’s initial court appearance at the Magistrates Court where bail was denied.
Justice Gibson Mandaza of the Harare High Court indefinitely adjourned the hearing to prepare his ruling on the defence application.
The judge said the lawyers will be called when his ruling is ready. He had not communicated by end of business on Wednesday.
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