THE trial of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga and HStv general manager Olga Muteiwa resumed yesterday, with State witness Edmore Nyadzamba being cross-examined in a case of transmitting messages allegedly likely to incite public violence.
The matter was heard by Harare magistrate Sheunesu Matova.
Mhlanga and HStv are being represented by Chris Mhike, Douglas Coltart and Beatrice Mtetwa.
The State led evidence from Nyadzamba, who is the officer in charge of CID Law and Order in Harare, who told the court that Mhlanga engaged Blessed “Bombshell” Geza and allegedly provided facilities to record utterances which he claimed had the effect of inciting revolt against the Zimbabwean government.
He further alleged that the messages were transmitted using computer-based platforms, including social media.
In defence, Mhike argued that the State wrongly charged Mhlanga, adding that the broadcasts were carried on HStv, and that Mhlanga was merely an employee, not a director or shareholder of the station.
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Mhike also told the court that the alleged video does not implicate Mhlanga, adding that the accused is being victimised because he is a journalist.
The defence argued that the statement which Nyadzamba made before the court did not align with his warned and caution statement.
Mhike told the court that the witness should not look for answers from the script while on the stand.
He argued that Mhlanga was doing his job as per the Constitution without breaking the law, since he did not in whatever way participate in stating words rather it was the platform that was used.
The witness further testified that he did an interview with Mhlanga and managed to obtain his address.
He, however, confirmed that the police failed to execute a search warrant, but did not disclose the reason for the failure.
Mhike argued that the police did not properly investigate the case due to malice, which is unjust.
The defence further argued that there is nowhere in the State papers that shows that Mhlanga admitted that he participated in the alleged interview with Geza.
The defence tendered a document which showed that the police issued a statement of searching for the accused person; however, the witness initially declined to read the document, alleging that he had a problem with his sight and had forgotten his spectacles at home.
The witness told the court that he is not aware of the place where the alleged offence was committed, a claim which Mhike dismissed, stating that he was not serious as an investigating officer.
The charge emanates from two Press conferences held by outspoken war veteran, Geza, which Mhlanga covered and broadcast on HStv.
In the Press conferences, Geza rallied Zimbabweans to push for the removal of Mnangagwa, accusing him of a cocktail of transgressions, ranging from misgovernance, nepotism to presiding over a corrupt administration.
The matter continues today.