Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga suffered another setback after his second bail application was dismissed today.
Mhlanga is facing charges of transmitting messages with the intention to incite public violence.
In his latest bail application, Mhlanga — through his lawyer — argued that there were new and changed circumstances that warranted the court to reconsider its earlier decision.
The defence submitted that more than a month had passed since Mhlanga’s initial remand, yet there had been no tangible progress in the investigation.
The lawyer further argued that Mhlanga had not interfered with any witnesses, despite some of them visiting him at Remand Prison, and that his continued incarceration was placing a financial and emotional strain on his family.
However, the State, led by prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, opposed the application, stating that there had been significant progress in the case.
Chirenje told the court that preparations for trial were now complete, with the State ready to serve Mhlanga with court papers and set a trial date.
In his ruling, magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei found no merit in the defence’s arguments.
He noted that the State’s readiness to proceed to trial was clear evidence of progress, adding that Mhlanga remains a flight risk if released on bail.
“There are no changed circumstances that warrant the court to revisit its initial ruling and grant bail to the accused person. Therefore, the application is dismissed,” said Mr Ndirowei.
