Editorial
True patriots stand in unwavering solidarity with fellow journalist Blessed “Dhara” Mhlanga, who was unjustly arrested last week simply for carrying out his professional duties.
Dhara’s arrest under Section 136 of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act is a brazen act of tyranny, emblematic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s relentless crusade to suffocate dissent and shield corruption.
Section 136 criminalizes the publication or communication of statements deemed false and likely to cause public harm, incite violence, or undermine public confidence in state institutions.
By weaponizing Section 136 of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law Act, a draconian provision abused to criminalize free speech, the regime has exposed its fear of truth.
In Mhlanga’s case, the charges stem from an interview he facilitated with Cde Blessed Geza and Jealousy Mawarire, who made corruption allegations against Mnangagwa’s inner circle, including businessman Wicknell Chivhayo and state entities like POSB.
Mhlanga’s detention, and the denial of his constitutional right to bail, lays bare a judiciary hijacked to serve political vendettas, not justice.
Mnangagwa, self-branded as a “constitutionalist,” has trampled the very freedoms he claims to uphold.
Mhlanga’s arrest stems not from crime, but from his courage to platform Cde Blessed Geza, whose corruption allegations implicate Mnangagwa’s inner circle, including businessman Wicknell Chivhayo and state entities like POSB.
Instead of probing these claims, the regime jails the messenger. This is the modus operandi of a kleptocracy: silence critics, exploit pliant courts, and normalize repression.
Zimbabwe’s history under Mnangagwa’s reign is stained by such tactics.
Opposition figure Job Sikhala endured 600 days in detention on baseless charges before acquittal, a testament to the regime’s strategy of breaking dissent through attrition.
Dhara’s targeting follows this playbook: brand critics “enemies of the state,” manipulate vague laws, and let fear fester.
The absurdity of charging Mhlanga under Section 136, despite his lack of ownership or control over the platform that aired the interview, underscores the regime’s desperation to criminalize journalism itself.
Journalists are not terrorists. They are democracy’s guardians, empowering citizens to hold power accountable.
To imprison them is to confess guilt.
We demand Mhlanga’s immediate release, the dismissal of these fabricated charges, and independent investigations into the corruption he exposed.
Regional bodies like SADC and the global community must intensify pressure on Zimbabwe to repeal oppressive laws, restore judicial independence, and end its relentless war on free expression.
Mnangagwa’s regime thrives in darkness, sustained by fear and repression.
True patriots defy such tyranny not with silence, but with unwavering solidarity and courageous action.
To stand with Dhara and every silenced voice is to fight for a Zimbabwe where justice prevails over fear, truth triumphs over lies, and the dignity of every citizen is restored.
Together, we must demand accountability and ensure that the light of freedom pierces through the shadows of oppression.
