Blessed “Dhara” Mhlanga

Blessed “Dhara” Mhlanga is a Zimbabwean journalist and political prisoner who was jailed without trial for simply doing his work.

Mhlanga was arrested on February 24 purportedly for broadcasting incitement material after interviewing a Zimbabwean war veteran and former intelligence officer Blessed Geza, who is the face of opposition to President Mnangagwa’s attempt to violate the constitution and secure a third term.

Mhlanga’s arrest came after he had also interviewed Jealousy Mawarire, who exposed a corrupt attempt involving President Mnangagwa to steal the publicly owned People’s Own Savings Bank on Blessed Mhlanga’s television show.

Immediately after the broadcast, Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba, posted on Twitter that Mhlanga was going to get into trouble because of that particular interview.

A few days later, after that ominous post, Mhlanga was arrested, denied bail at the magistrates’ court, and jailed.

He then appealed against this magistrates’ ruling at the High Court, but unfortunately the High Court through Justice Gibson Mandaza ruled against his appeal.

Mhlanga has three kids and a wife who need our solidarity and financial support during this dark period.

His interviewing programme was a place where the powerful are held to account and the ordinary are given a chance to voice their views. Jailing him is literally shutting down all media and free speech rights.

Let us stand with him during this sad time so that he knows how grateful the nation is for his journalism. Thank you.