18th April 2025

By Information & Publicity Team

 

 

In a typical case of lawfare by the regime in Harare, Blessed Mhlanga, a journalist with privately owned Heart and Soul Television, a part ofAlpha Media Holdings (AMH), was detained on 24th February 2025 on incitement charges.

His “crime” was to interview Blessed Geza, the war veteran who popularly called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation.

Arbitrary arrest and detention are a violation of Article 9 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which reads, “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile”.

Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) further states that anyone arrested has the right to be brought promptly before a judge and should be released pending trial, unless there are good reasons to keep them in custody.

Also, according to Section 50(1)(d) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, bail is a constitutional right. Denial of bail should not be used to punish or pre-judge an accused, yet, 53 days after his detention and counting, Blessed Mhlanga has been denied bail thrice.

When a person is in Blessed Mhlanga’s predicament, they not only suffer physically and psychologically, but their finances are exhausted quickly, they lose earnings, and their families suffer big time as a result.

The UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe decided to mobilise funds to help Blessed Mhlanga’s family. It appealed for donations/contributions from its members. This evolved from a resolution passed in the Zoom meeting of the UK Chapter on 29th March 2025.

The appeal went out on 29/03/2025 via WhatsApp, and £530 had been raised by 08/04/2025, thanks to the generosity of ROHR Zimbabwe members.

We sent the £530 to Mrs Florence Mhlanga via Western Union on 08/04/2025. This was converted to USD 678.00, which she collected on 12/04/2025.

We invited Mrs Mhlanga to a bespoke WhatsApp group for only those who contributed on Monday, 14/04/2025, and we were able to interact with her before excusing her on 17/04/2025.

We shared the Western Union transfer details (MTCN) on the bespoke WhatsApp group.

For transparency purposes, we also shared the list of contributors with Mrs Mhlanga.

The following is the list of the ROHR Zimbabwe human rights activists who contributed to this fund;-

BLESSED MHLANGA CONTRIBUTIONS UPDATE – As of 09:00 hrs Tuesday 08/04/2025.

Vongayi Mufara  £20
Panyika Karimanzira  £25
Paradzai Mapfumo  £25
Charles Kanyimo  £10
Angeline Huni  £10
Nolanga E Ndlovu  £20
Tafadzwa Chivaura  £50
Mollin Muteto £10
Godfrey Mandibaya  £10
Xolisani Masuku  £10
Lilie Khanye  £20
Olivia Chamboko  £10
Lilian Nleya £10
Silvanos Mudzvova £25
Lorraine Zakeyo  £10
Paul Mukweza  £20
Harriet Ndlovu  £10
Marian Mangani  £20
Sandra S Chidemo £10
Weston Mupfururirwa £15
Farisai Kapepa £10
Delina Mutyambizi £15
Dickson Chikwizo £10
Michelle Mpofu £5
Vengai Mutsawu £5
Edineth Mtengwa  £20
Romancia Chiomba  £5
Prince Maisiri £5
Dulcie Munjeri £10
Memory Kishindo £5
Linda Mafu £10
Velisiwe Ndlovu £5
Mellisa Mbavarira £5
Shingirayi Kandi £5
Thenjiwe Ndlovu £10
Alvina Chibhamu £20
Phylis Magejo £5
Phyllis Chibanguza £10
Emily Mafuwe £20
Grace Makoni £10

Total = £530

Sent to Florence Mhlanga (to receive USD 678.00) via Western Union on Tuesday, 08/04/2025.

One of our members, Tawanda Matangambiri, contributed USD 10.00 via an ongoing GoFundMe which is a separate initiative.

Message from Blessed Mhlanga and Family

“In my darkest hour, in the worst of times, you have stood with me and my family. My wife has made me aware of your selfless sacrifices and compassion.
It is these efforts from you that made me a journalist to speak for others and help build a selfless nation.
Being in prison is expensive, not only financially but emotionally and to family support.
Your contributions have lessened the burden on us.
To all those who contributed, may God bless you, and thank you for the solidarity and advocacy.
You are our family.

With love
Blessed and Florence Mhlanga and family”

We appreciate that this appeal was done on short notice due to the urgency of the matter.

Therefore, we are extending the appeal to 30th April 2025 to give everyone a chance.

If anyone wants to contribute, please transfer to the ROHR Account details as follows;-

ROHR ZIMBABWE BANK DETAILS:-
Account Name: RESTORATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ZIMBABWE
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account Number: 46330349

Parallel to the fundraising effort, we advocate for Blessed Mhlanga’s release via our social media platforms.

Below are some of the links to our posts;-

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BkgDpsirb/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15vcgGLXrw/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DgudeW6wR/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15kFTkXfEK/
https://x.com/ROHRZimbabweorg/status/1911340133099397616?t=nO9XiApt41wzvAyH4Kb6nQ&s=19
https://x.com/rohrzimbabweorg/status/1912793686418522471?s=48

Inserted by;-
Information & Publicity Department
Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe
Email: – humanrights@rohr-zimbabwe.org
Mobile: – +447538534375