HARARE – A Harare magistrate has issued a warrant of arrest for Heart and Soul TV (HSTV) journalist Blessed Mhlanga after he failed to appear in court for the continuation of his trial on 9 March 2026.
The warrant was granted by Magistrate Sheunesu Matova after prosecutors challenged a medical report submitted by Mhlanga’s defence lawyers explaining his absence.
Mhlanga’s legal team, led by lawyers Doug Coltart and Chris Mhike, told the court that the journalist is currently in South Africa seeking medical treatment. They presented a medical report to support the request for the court to excuse his absence.
However, State prosecutor Anesu Chirenje objected to the document, arguing that the authenticity of the medical report still needed verification before the court could accept it.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Matova ruled that a warrant of arrest be issued and postponed the matter to 10 April 2026.
The magistrate said that once Mhlanga appears before the court, a default inquiry will be conducted to determine whether his failure to attend court was deliberate or reasonably justified. The court ruled:
“The outcome of that inquiry will determine whether the warrant is cancelled or if additional legal conditions will be imposed.”
Mhlanga is facing charges of transmitting data messages allegedly aimed at inciting public violence, allegations that have drawn significant attention from media freedom advocates and civil society groups.
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The case has also attracted scrutiny from regional media watchdogs. The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), which monitors press freedom violations across the region, noted the development as part of its ongoing tracking of cases involving journalists and freedom of expression.
MISA says its work focuses on promoting and protecting the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information, and a free and independent media across Southern Africa.
The organisation also operates a 24-hour SOS hotline for journalists facing detention, arrest, or injury while performing their professional duties.
For now, attention shifts to April when the court will determine whether Mhlanga’s absence was justified and whether the arrest warrant should stand.
The case continues to raise broader questions about media freedom, digital speech laws, and the legal risks journalists face while reporting in Zimbabwe’s increasingly contested information environment.
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