Blessed Mhlanga’s Arrest – A War on Press Freedom in Zimbabwe

The arrest and continued detention of journalist Blessed Mhlanga is yet another brutal reminder of how Zimbabwe’s regime treats those who dare to expose the truth. Mhlanga, a respected journalist, has been thrown behind bars under trumped-up charges, accused of inciting violence simply for doing his job—reporting on the realities of a country held hostage by a corrupt and oppressive government.

His crime? Journalism. In a normal democracy, journalists inform the public, hold those in power accountable, and amplify the voices of the people. But in Zimbabwe, journalism has been criminalized, with reporters targeted, harassed, and jailed for daring to challenge the ruling elite. Mhlanga is not a criminal. He is not a danger to society. He is a truth-teller in a country where truth is feared by those in power.

From his prison cell, Mhlanga has sent a letter—a powerful message of resilience in the face of persecution. “Prison is meant to break you,” he writes, “but I have learned quite the contrary. Prison makes you more resolute.” These words echo the reality of every Zimbabwean who has been silenced, beaten, or jailed for speaking out. But they also serve as a rallying cry: oppression will not last forever.

His arrest is not an isolated case. It is part of a systematic campaign by the ruling regime to silence dissent. Over the years, journalists, activists, and opposition members have faced relentless persecution. The state uses unjust laws, intimidation, and violence to stifle freedom of expression, all while pretending to uphold democracy.

But Zimbabweans are not fooled. We know that Blessed Mhlanga’s arrest is not about justice; it is about fear. The regime fears the truth because the truth exposes its failures. It fears free speech because free speech empowers the people. It fears journalists because journalists shine a light on corruption, economic decay, and human rights abuses.

Mhlanga’s detention is a direct attack on every Zimbabwean’s right to information and free speech. It is a warning to all who dare to question authority. But it should also be a wake-up call. We cannot remain silent while our rights are trampled on. We cannot watch as journalists are dragged to prison cells for doing their job.

The fight for press freedom is the fight for democracy itself. We must demand the immediate release of Blessed Mhlanga. We must continue to amplify his voice, share his message, and stand together against a government that thrives on suppression.

Journalism is not a crime. Telling the truth is not a crime. The real crime is a government that jails journalists for doing their job. The real crime is a system that seeks to silence the people.

Zimbabwe, it is time to rise. Free Blessed Mhlanga! Free the truth!