Harare, (New Ziana) -The High Court on Monday dismissed an application by the state to refer the bail hearing for AMH journalist Blessed Mhlanga to an anti-corruption tribunal.

In dismissing the application, High Court Judge Justice Gibson Mandaza agreed with Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike of Atherstone and Cook, who had objected to the referral, arguing that the matter was not linked to any corrupt activity.

The case will now be heard in the ordinary bail court on Wednesday.

Speaking after the ruling, Mhike said they are now waiting for the State’s response to their bail appeal.

“The State is yet to furnish us with their response to the bail appeal. It is our hope that by Wednesday that response would have been furnished to us.

“There was an undertaking by the State that by the end of tomorrow being the 11th of March 2025, they would have responded to the bail appeal,” he said.

On January 27 and February 11 this year, Mhlanga who is employed as a senior political reporter at HStv, allegedly recorded interviews with the intention to incite members of the public to commit acts of violence.

The state alleges that he broadcasted the video with the intention toincite members of the public to commit acts of violence.

Mhlanga, who was arrested on February 24 this year, first appeared in court the following day and, after hearing submissions from the prosecution and the defence, presiding magistrate Farai Gwatima deferred ruling to February 27.

Gwatima was however not able to deliver the ruling on February 27 as he had gone to attend a family bereavement.

He delivered the ruling on February wherein he denied Mhlanga bail and remanded in custody to March 14 this year, saying he was likely to reoffend as well interfere with investigations.

Mhlanga’s lawyers appealed against the denial of bail and the case is expected to be heard on Wednesday.

New Ziana