Media Freedom

"Dear countrymen, fellow journalists, UZ law students, friends across the world"

Blessed Mhlanga breaks his silence after 72 harrowing days in pre-trial detention

"It has been long since I last wrote to you my fellow brothers and sisters. All of you regardless of your nationality or geographical location, I write to you, your minds and hearts. Today I have been released on bail, free but not free. I have learnt that the state can do what it pleases regardless of what the law says. The law works when they want it to work. So my release is without celebration, I have no faith in the judiciary system, I am submitted to it by lack of choice. In the next few weeks I will share the horror’s I endured at Harare remand prison, but for now let me focus on my family - you are my family.

For 72 days I remained in pre-trial detention, from where I was kept, resultantly failing to provide for my family with fatherly love and care which I ordinarily should. I am however happy that my day for freedom has come, today I am free, free to hold my wife's hand for no reason, to kiss her good night or good morning even at the worst of times. Free to take my children to school and consult on their academic and sporting progress. That I am free to run up and down the streets screaming and kicking as I cheer my kids on their path to growth, for this is what fathers do. It is these little moments, clothed in craziness and little bother that shape future generations. These are the joys of life that have been robbed off over the past 72 days of my life as I languished in prison, unjustifiably so.

My alleged offence is now known to you all, I presume. I am accused of having transmitted or broadcast messages from a press conference (not interview as alleged in some sections) in which at the time a ZANU PF Central committee member expressed his views. I deny ever transmitting the messages by Blessed Geza in any shape or form. The State says it has a witness who saw me transmit these messages. I will not address this matter for it is one Chris Mhike will have to deal with at trial. Bail which is a right has been denied to me three times, twice at the magistrates court and once by High Court judge Gibson Mandaza who yesterday admitted me to bail. Not only that, but I have also been denied an opportunity to write examinations with the UZ twice so far and my fear was I was going to lose the whole semester. This right to education is a right that has been extended to other accused or convicted persons in the past.

Honestly I have felt the weight of the punishment imposed on me through pre-trial detention and the pain at times made me cry. During dark times I am overwhelmed with emotions especially as regards my children and wife. Prison has broken many families and condemned many young children into destitution and crime after loss of breadwinners to long periods of incarceration. I prayed daily that this would not be my story, when eventually I am allowed back to my normal life and job. My job remains at the crux of my being and even as I feel pain, I am yet to be persuaded that giving voice to others is wrong in any way.

Last year I decided to pursue a law degree with the University of Zimbabwe, not so that I leave journalism, no. It was so that I improve my knowledge and delivery in my trade of choice, especially the hard hitting interviews which I so love. The nation building effect of my craft quenches my thirst with ease. It is my prayer that I will be able to graduate in these studies and empower myself and others. Having come from humble beginnings, struggling to get fees to attain higher education, I am determined to score this victory which may seem small to others. This will serve as motivation not only to my children but others who are walking in the same path as I once did. I refuse to let my past determine my ending. My prayer is that the State will not use or abuse all its might to end my story because of an alleged crime that was never committed at least by me. To this end, my prayer is that the Courts as the last bulwark of democracy will defend my rights and at the same time give my children a fighting chance to a better life of their own.

My mother passed on when I was six, my father passed on the last day of me sitting for O level exams in Nyamatawa, Mutoko. It meant I had nobody to send me through A level and University. I struggled but managed to go through A level. Through sheer hard work and determination, I am here today and I thank God. My children should not go through the same, In fact no child should, they all need their fathers love and guidance through life, something I can’t do from prison. If I fail to complete my studies, my ability to improve my family’s life would be stunted. A dream rudely shattered, future of my children crushed only because I am a journalist who has stood with the voices of the people. It is a burden I carry, it is the pain that haunts me at night and fills my eyes with tears.

Dear friends some have found time to blame my employer of not doing enough to get me released. I assure you, Trevor Ncube did not arrest me, he has no keys to Harare Remand Prison, he is not a magistrate nor is he a judge. In short he is like all of you who have selflessly stood by me and my family. You all wanted to see me free, but understand that there are limits to what you can do. You can tweet, you can visit, bring food or donate so that while I am here my kids can go to school, rentals are paid every month. You can also pray for my release. Let us be clear only those who got me here can release me and should carry the burden of this injustice. Not you, not Trevor and nobody else. We all have limits to what we can do.

Lastly it is from the depth of my heart that I thank all of you, for standing with me and my family. As I go home, to stand with my family and provide for them, that which I never got. Deep in my heart is always was my little Lorraine, raising a girl is hard. She will write her A levels this year, doing Pure Mathematics, Technical Graphics and Computer Science. I would have wanted her to study law, but her stubborn self moved a different direction. I honestly wonder who she took after.
My wife, Florence, I missed you and pray we will continue to stand tall together. Thank you Zimbabwe, thank you friends and family. Thank you fellow journalists. Journalism is not a crime, but I have been jailed for it.

Yours in pain and with love
Blessed Mhlanga."

Issued under instruction to Chris Mhike and Doug Coltart