ZIMBABWE JAILS JOURNALISTS, THEN CALLS IT JUSTICE

The government in Zimbabwe under Emmerson Mnangagwa is now known for punishing people who speak out. After promising big changes when he took over from Robert Mugabe in 2017, Mnangagwa has only made things worse. Instead of more freedom, Zimbabwe has seen more arrests, more fear, and more silence.

The recent release of journalist Blessed Mhlanga on bail is not something to clap hands for. He spent 72 days in prison just for doing his job. He interviewed someone from ZANU PF, Blessed Geza, who spoke badly about Mnangagwa. That was enough to get Mhlanga arrested. They said he was trying to start violence. But all he did was report the truth.

The state used the Criminal Law Act to charge him. Even worse, the Counter-Terrorism Unit handled his case. That shows how the government now sees journalists as enemies. It is clear they want to scare other reporters and stop them from talking to people with different views.

Mhlanga’s arrest happened just days before World Press Freedom Day. His release, three days after that day, is not by accident. It looks like the government just wanted to act nice in front of the world. But the truth is, they are not sorry. They want to look good outside while inside, they are still punishing voices of reason.

This is not the first time a journalist has been arrested in Zimbabwe. Many others have been beaten, watched by secret police, or even jailed without fair trials. The courts say they are independent, but their actions tell a different story. For Mhlanga to get bail, it took three court visits. Why was he denied before? Why did they say he could disturb peace or scare witnesses? Nothing had changed.

People no longer trust the courts. When the law is used to punish instead of protect, it becomes clear who is really in charge. Zimbabwe’s leaders are using the law as a weapon. They are not interested in truth or justice. They are interested in power.

In a normal country, getting bail is not a big win. It’s a right. But in Zimbabwe, we celebrate it because things have become that bad. Even simple rights like speaking your mind or asking questions now feel like crimes.

Mhlanga is free for now, but the case is still open. He still has to go to court. That means he is not really free. It also means other journalists are watching and thinking, “If this can happen to him, it can happen to me.” That’s the goal — fear.

Even the name “Counter-Terrorism Unit” shows how far the government is willing to go. They now treat journalists like terrorists. That is dangerous. If telling the truth becomes a crime, then lies become the law.

There are many laws like the Patriotic Act and the Peace and Order Act that are now used to silence people. These laws are not about peace. They are about control.

And the worst part? Mnangagwa himself once needed the media. When Mugabe pushed him out, it was the press that gave him a voice. Now, he turns against them. That shows he is not a man of principle. He used the media when it helped him. Now he destroys it when it holds him accountable.

Bail is not freedom. Mhlanga is still not safe. None of us are, as long as truth is treated like a threat. We must speak louder. We must not be fooled. Until the charges are dropped, there is no justice.

This is not over. The fight must go on. Journalism is not a crime. Truth is not terrorism. And Zimbabwe will not be free until justice is real for everyone.

It is not yet Uhuru.