Trial of AMH Journalist and HStv Manager Resumes as CID Witness Faces Cross-Examination

The trial of AMH journalist Blessed Mhlanga and HStv manager Olga Muteiwa resumes in Harare as a CID witness faces tough cross-examination in a case testing the boundaries between press freedom and public-order law (image source)

Harare — The trial of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga and HStv general manager Olga Muteiwa resumed in the Harare magistrate’s court, where State witness Edmore Nyadzamba, the officer in charge of CID Law and Order, faced extended cross-examination in a case involving allegations of transmitting messages likely to incite public violence.

Magistrate Sheunesu Matova presided as defence lawyers Chris Mhike, Douglas Coltart and Beatrice Mtetwa interrogated the credibility of the investigation and the consistency of Nyadzamba’s testimony. The charges stem from broadcasts of two press conferences by war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, during which he urged public action against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and accused the government of corruption and misgovernance. Nyadzamba told the court that Mhlanga facilitated Geza’s recording sessions and that the messages were disseminated via computer-based platforms, including social media.

Under cross-examination, Mhike challenged the State’s position by arguing that Mhlanga was operating strictly as a journalist and did not control HStv editorial or ownership structures. He contended that the charges amounted to the improper criminalisation of routine journalistic work. The defence also pointed to discrepancies between Nyadzamba’s in-court testimony and his earlier warned and caution statement, questioning the officer’s impartiality and attention to investigative standards. Nyadzamba confirmed that police had obtained Mhlanga’s address during an interview but conceded the failure to execute a search warrant, offering no explanation.

Tensions rose when the defence produced a police document referencing a search for the accused. Nyadzamba initially declined to read it, citing poor eyesight. Mhike used the moment to argue that the witness’s conduct undermined the credibility of the investigation, suggesting an element of malice or negligence in the State’s approach. Prosecutors maintain that the broadcasts—featuring Geza’s calls for the president’s removal—were transmitted in a manner capable of inciting public disorder, relying on testimony from CID officers and digital-forensic links to demonstrate how the content was disseminated.

Legal analysts say the case touches on wider concerns regarding press freedom and the application of public-order laws. Defence lawyers argue that coverage of public events is protected journalistic activity, while the State insists that the intentional or reckless spread of inciteful material does not fall under media freedoms.

The hearing continues today, with further cross-examination expected as the court evaluates the evidentiary record. Media and civil-liberties groups are closely monitoring proceedings due to their significance for freedom of expression and journalistic protections in Zimbabwe.