Harare, (New Ziana) -Bail ruling in the case of Alpha Media Holdings subsidiary Heart and Soul Broadcasting Services (HStv) journalist, Blessed Mhlanga, who is facing charges of contravening the Cyber and Data Protection Act, was on Thursday moved to Friday as the presiding magistrate was attending a funeral outside Harare.
Mhlanga, who is accused of transmitting data messages meant to incite violence, first appeared in court on Tuesday where magistrate Farai Gwitima postponed ruling on the bail application to Wednesday, after hearing heads of arguments from the state and the defence.
Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa told Mhlanga that Gwitima was not available to deliver his judgement, as his was attending a family bereavement outside the capital.
Before adjourning the packed courtroom, Gofa said Gwitirima will be driving back from the funeral on Friday and will hand down the ruling the same day.
Mhlanga is being represented by Chris Mhike and the state by Ruvimbo Matyatya and Takudzwa Jambawo.
The State is alleging that on 27 January this year, Mhlanga recorded a video of one Blessed Runesu Geza and broadcasted it through an internet platform called YouTube, HSTVzimlive.co.zw., intending to incite members of the public to commit acts of violence.
It is further alleged that on 11 February this year Mhlanga broadcasted another video of Geza on the same internet platform, again with the aim of inciting the public to engage in acts of violence.
The state opposed bail arguing that Mhlanga was a flight risk and that he would interfere with witnesses, some of who were his juniors at his workplace.
Arguing in support granting of bail, noted that Mhlanga had handed himself over to the police after hearing that they were looking for him, and his appearance before them on two previous occasion when he was summoned.
New Ziana
