Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
HARARE regional magistrate Mrs Learnmore Mapiye has merged the records for Alpha Media Holdings journalist Blessed Mhlanga and his employer, HSTV, for the purposes of trial commencement on June 17.
Mhlanga and HSTV are facing charges of transmitting messages that incite violence or property damage, stemming from their coverage of two press briefings by war veteran and former Zanu-PF Central Committee member Blessed Geza on January 27 and February 11.
In her ruling today, Mrs Mapiye said both parties were present at the same press conference. She added that it is evident that the accused are facing the same offence.
“It will be in the interest of justice for both parties to be jointly charged for purposes of trial,” she said.
Mrs Mapiye said Mhlanga will appear as Accused Number One while HSTV will appear as Accused Two.
The defence had opposed the State’s application to marry the records, arguing that the State did not cite any law supporting its application.
The defence also stated that Mhlanga was arrested alone. The court heard that during the pressers, Geza called for the ouster of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which the State claims could have incited unrest.
The prosecution alleges that by broadcasting the events via HStv and YouTube, Mhlanga violated the law.
