Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE trial of journalist Blessed Mhlanga and Heart & Soul TV (HStv) will now proceed as a joint matter after the Harare Magistrates Court ruled in favour of the State’s application to merge the two records.
Magistrate Learnmore Mapiye delivered the ruling yesterday stating that consolidating the charges was “in the interest of justice”.
The State, represented by prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, argued that evidence against both parties was closely linked and warranted a joint trial.
“It is my view that merging the two records will not prejudice the accused persons but rather serve the interest of justice,” the court said.
As a result, Mhlanga and HStv will appear in court as the first and second accused, respectively, when the trial commences on June 17.
Earlier, the defence comprising Chris Mhike representing Mhlanga and Beatrice Mtetwa standing in for HStv had objected to the merger, arguing that it would violate their clients’ rights.
They noted that the two were arrested and charged separately, adding that Mhlanga had come prepared to stand trial alone.
Despite the objections, the magistrate sided with the prosecution, noting that the charges stem from the same facts and are best handled together.
Mhlanga and HStv are facing a charge of transmitting messages likely to incite public violence.
The charge emanates from two Press conferences held by outspoken war veteran, Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, which Mhlanga covered and were broadcast on HStv.
In the Press conferences, Geza rallied Zimbabweans to push for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of a cocktail of transgressions, ranging from misgovernance, nepotism to presiding over a corrupt administration.
Police have indicated plans to arrest and charge Geza for incitement.
The State alleges that the Press conferences violated broadcasting and public order laws.
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