The United States Embassy in Zimbabwe has condemned the arrest and denial of bail of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga, calling on Harare authorities to uphold the fundamental right to press freedom.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, the U.S. Embassy said that all journalists should be granted constitutional protections, including the right to bail and freedom of speech. The embassy said:
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Constitutional rights to bail and free speech, should apply to all journalists.
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Mhlanga was arrested on Monday for allegedly sharing information that could incite violence or damage property. He is facing charges under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
On Friday, a Harare magistrate, Farai Gwitima, denied Mhlanga bail, saying he might interfere with witnesses and harm the investigation.
The charges against Mhlanga are related to interviews he reportedly had with Blessed Geza, a war veteran from the ruling ZANU PF party, who opposes President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda.
The police are searching for Geza to answer charges of incitement, undermining the President’s authority, and theft.
Geza has publicly called for Mnangagwa to resign, accusing him of corruption, poor leadership, favouritism, and rewarding friends and family.

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The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe is angry because a journalist named Blessed Mhlanga was arrested and not given bail. They say all journalists should have the right to bail and free speech. Mhlanga was arrested for sharing information that could cause violence. When he asked for bail, the judge said no because he might interfere with the investigation. The charges are about interviews Mhlanga had with a man who opposes the President. The police are looking for that man to arrest him. The man wants the President to resign because he says he is corrupt and not a good leader.

US Embassy Condemns Arrest Of Journalist Blessed Mhlanga

The United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, has reportedly raised concerns with the government about alleged State security surveillance during her travels across the country.
Tremont, who assumed her post in July 2024, took up the role after a gap of several years without a permanent U.S. Ambassador in Zimbabwe.
Before her appointment, the U.S. Embassy in Harare was led by Chargé d’Affaires Elaine French, who served from August 2022.
Tremont’s predecessor, Brian Nichols, held the position of U.S. Ambassador from 2018 until 2021.
According to a source cited by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200034846/us-ambassador-moans-over-cio-tails">NewsDay</a>, Ambassador Tremont has grown “weary” of the suspected surveillance, expressing concerns about being trailed during her travels throughout Zimbabwe. Said the source:
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She (Tremont) recently sent a team to government officials to discuss the matter of her security. They came and presented their case. They said she had grown tired.
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The U.S. Embassy declined to comment on the matter, as diplomatic protocol prohibits the disclosure of details regarding communications between embassies and host governments.
Lynette Nguluvhe, deputy spokesperson for Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, said they had not yet received any formal report on the issue.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba recently issued a stern warning to Ambassador Tremont, referring to her as “a girl” and suggesting that she would soon learn that Zimbabwean authorities “don’t play” when provoked. He wrote on X:
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I think this Tremont girl they sent to us does not quite understand the Zimbabwean psyche. She will soon know hake. We don’t play when you angry us!
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In March 2024, the United States accused Zimbabwe of harassing, detaining, and deporting several of its nationals working in the country as aid workers.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) claimed that its officials and contractors had been subjected to both “verbal and physical” intimidation by Zimbabwean authorities. T
The agency said the individuals were in the country to support initiatives aimed at promoting civic participation, strengthening democratic institutions, and advancing human rights.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, is upset because she thinks she is being followed by the government's security agents when she travels around the country. She has complained about this surveillance to the government. The previous US Ambassador to Zimbabwe was Brian Nichols. The US Embassy in Harare declined to comment, and the Zimbabwean government said they have not received a formal report on the issue. A spokesperson for the Zimbabwean president warned Ambassador Tremont, calling her "a girl" and saying that she will soon learn that they don't play games. The United States accused Zimbabwe of mistreating American aid workers in the country.

Ambassador Tremont Complains Of Being Tracked By CIO During Travels

A spokeswoman for the United States Embassy in Harare has dismissed claims by the Zimbabwean government that its diplomat is on the run after allegedly killing an 11-year-old girl in a road traffic accident in Dema, Seke District, Mashonaland East Province.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/us-diplomat-runs-over-11-year-old-girl-flees-country/">The Herald</a>, Eric Kimpton, the US Embassy’s Second Secretary, allegedly ran over Ruvarashe Takamhanya in Dema on 03 June and left the country barely 24 hours after the tragic accident.
In an exclusive audio response to questions sent by <a href="https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/america-refutes-harare-s-claim-that-its-diplomat-is-a-fugitive-from-justice-/7725567.html">VOA Zimbabwe</a> Service’s Studio 7, a spokeswoman for the embassy said:
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The US embassy expressed its sincere condolences and deep sadness regarding the tragic death of a school-aged girl near Dema, Zimbabwe on June 3rd, 2024.
The US embassy including the US diplomat involved in the accident transparently complied with local officials following the accident. The diplomat involved in the accident has since departed Zimbabwe.
US embassy representatives have been in communication with the family and community including attendance at the funeral and support for the girl’s family.
The US embassy recognizes the devastation of this accident for all involved and will continue to communicate and cooperate with the police and other officials as they complete their investigation.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones, of the girl.
</blockquote>
Reached for comment by VOA, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesman, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
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The police who attended the scene were told by senior US embassy officials that he (Kimpton) needed a period to rest but were told later he was no longer in the country.
The documentation process hasn’t been completed and the matter is still before the police because we could not proceed with the formalities in his absence.
It appears he (Kimpton) is no longer coming back to Zimbabwe. Investigations have stalled.
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In an earlier interview with The Herald, the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), George Charamba, said Zimbabwe will do everything possible to have Kimpton brought to justice. Said Charamba:
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No one, from whichever country or continent, is allowed to spill innocent Zimbabwean blood and get away with it.
The behaviour of diplomats must be consistent with the dignity of their profession but also with the expectations of the Vienna Convention.
When a diplomat is involved in a fatal traffic accident, uses the pretext of counselling, which he thinks is only available in his country, and then decides to stay away from the police, he or she moves from being a diplomat to a fugitive and there are adequate instruments which Zimbabwe can summon to bring that diplomat to account. We will do precisely that.
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Texas-based Zimbabwean human rights lawyer, Kennedy Masiye, told VOA that diplomats are protected under international law. He said:
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Diplomats are protected from prosecution under international law. Zimbabwe is a signatory to the Vienna Convention that protects diplomats from being prosecuted criminally or in civil court.”
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Masiye admitted that Zimbabwe can ask for a waiver, though he notes that it is up to the United States government to lift the immunity for the diplomat to stand trial.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A girl was killed in an accident by a US diplomat in Zimbabwe. The diplomat left the country after the accident but the US embassy says he complied with the local officials. The police in Zimbabwe are still investigating. The Zimbabwean government wants the diplomat to come back for justice. However, diplomats are protected by international law. The US government can decide whether to lift the immunity and allow the diplomat to stand trial. The situation is being closely watched by both countries.

America Refutes Zimbabwe's Claim That Its Diplomat Who Ran Over A Girl In Dema Is A "Fugitive From Justice"

A United States of America Embassy official allegedly ran over and killed an 11-year-old Zimbabwean girl in June this year and immediately fled the country.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/us-diplomat-runs-over-11-year-old-girl-flees-country/">The Herald</a>, Eric Kimpton, the US Embassy’s Second Secretary, allegedly ran over Ruvarashe Takamhanya in Dema on 03 June and left the country barely 24 hours after the tragic accident.
Dema is located in the Seke District of Mashonaland East Province, about 40 kilometres from Harare on the highway which connects the capital to Marondera.
The primary schoolgirl died on the spot from the impact of the speeding vehicle and her grief-stricken parents are seeking answers.
Kimpton, under the shield of diplomatic immunity, left the country with his family, saying he was traumatised and needed to get counselling services.
In his warned and cautioned statement, he had informed the police that he would return to Zimbabwe after two weeks but he is yet to return.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Monday night confirmed the accident to The Herald but said there has been no progress since Kimpton is no longer in the country. Said Comm. Nyathi:
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The police who attended the scene were told that he needed a period to rest but were told later he was no longer in the country.
The documentation process hasn’t been completed and the matter is still before the police because we could not proceed with the formalities in his absence. It appears he is no longer coming back to Zimbabwe.
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In a Note Verbale to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the US Embassy invoked diplomatic immunity for Kimpton to prevent his prosecution in Zimbabwe.
Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), George Charamba, said Zimbabwe will do everything possible to have Kimpton brought to justice. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
No one, from whichever country or continent, is allowed to spill innocent Zimbabwean blood and get away with it.
The behaviour of diplomats must be consistent with the dignity of their profession but also with the expectations of the Vienna Convention.
When a diplomat is involved in a fatal traffic accident, uses the pretext of counselling, which he thinks is only available in his country, and then decides to stay away from the police, he or she moves from being a diplomat to a fugitive and there are adequate instruments which Zimbabwe can summon to bring that diplomat to account. We will do precisely that.
</blockquote>
Under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, foreign diplomats and family members enjoy certain protections that allow them to avoid prosecution for almost any crime unless the diplomat’s home country waives immunity.
If the United States refuses to waive the diplomatic immunity, Zimbabwe could then be forced to declare Kimpton a persona non grata (an unwanted person).
Persona non grata is a diplomatic term that refers to a person who is unacceptable or unwelcome in a particular country.
When a person is declared persona non grata, it means the host country has essentially revoked or refused to recognise that individual’s diplomatic status or credibility.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

An American diplomat in Zimbabwe hit and killed an 11-year-old girl named Ruvarashe. The diplomat, Eric Kimpton, then left the country with his family. The girl's family is very sad and looking for answers. The diplomat said he needed counseling and left the country. The police can't do anything since he has diplomatic immunity. Zimbabwe is trying to bring him back to face justice. If the US doesn't cooperate, Zimbabwe may have to declare the diplomat "persona non grata," which means he is no longer welcome in the country.

American Diplomat Runs Over 11-year-old Girl In Dema, Flees Country

The United States of America’s most senior diplomat in Zimbabwe, Elaine French, has said her country is the biggest bilateral donor in Zimbabwe and has provided nearly US$5 billion to the southern African country since 1980.
Speaking in <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/zim-free-to-trade-with-the-us/">an interview</a> with AB Communications Editor-in-Chief Moses Matenga on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), French, the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe also said this year, the United States has recommitted the PEPFAR programme with US$209 to support the government of Zimbabwe.
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is a critical initiative aimed at saving lives, preventing HIV infections, and accelerating progress toward achieving HIV/AIDS pandemic control in more than 50 countries worldwide. Said French:
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I am so proud of the work the US has done especially in the health sector here in Zimbabwe. The United States is actually the biggest bilateral donor in Zimbabwe in particular in the health sector.
Since 1980, the United States has provided nearly US$5bn to the people of Zimbabwe and the vast majority of that has been in health-related issues.
In 1980, at independence, the US made a promise to the people of Zimbabwe to help rebuild the health sector.
That commitment initially was for US$2mn but that US$2mn has actually grown to nearly US$5bn in the last four decades plus.
I think some people might feel that it has diminished in the last years but actually it has since grown. In the last three years alone we have provided a billion dollars to the people of Zimbabwe.
This year we have recommitted the PEPFAR programme with US$209 to support the government of Zimbabwe in terms of addressing and combating the HIV epidemic and this is to support over two million Zimbabweans to live healthier longer lives by provision of Antiretroviral Therapy.
We are not just working in the HIV sphere, we are also giving out support to the Ministry of Health and the government in terms of tackling Tuberculosis and Malaria.
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French also revealed that the U.S. has committed an additional US$11 to assist Zimbabwe to mitigate the effects of the El-induced drought. She said:
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It’s a serious issue and I know it is a serious one for many Zimbabweans. It is not only a serious issue for Zimbabweans but the region as well.
In January, the US committed an additional US$11mn in assistance to some of the most vulnerable people in the country to help them better survive in this difficult period.
That’s an addition to the US$115mn the United States provided in the last five years in the agriculture and food security sectors.
As I mentioned earlier, drought is affecting the entire region and the recent drought declaration by the President, it helps us to look at Zimbabwe and its neighbours and look at how the United States will respond comprehensively to the region.
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Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate has confirmed Pamela Marie Tremont as the country’s new ambassador to Zimbabwe in a Senate vote.
The U.S. has not had an ambassador to Zimbabwe since 2021, when its previous ambassador, Brian Nichols, was reassigned.
The US Embassy in Harare has been overseen by Chargé d’Affaires French since 2022.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"United States Is Zimbabwe's Biggest Bilateral Donor"

A United States of America embassy official reportedly smuggled four guns into the country in 2016. According to The Herald, John Kent, a US Embassy Attaché responsible for Overseas Building Operations brought four rifles into the country.
The rifles have been identified as two Bolt Action rifles — a Savage 111 and Remington 700 — and two semi-automatic shotguns — a Beretta A390 and Weatherby SA-08 in 2016.
Kent only declared the weapons in February this year about a month before he left the country, and they were not registered or licensed. The Herald claims to have in its possession a document that reads:
<blockquote>Kent flagrantly violated the law by not declaring his firearms to Zimra (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority) on his entry into the country in 2016.
The firearms were apparently treated as part of the diplomatic luggage, was unlawful since firearms are among exceptions to this, under the Vienna Conventions.
Kent stayed three years in the country, in possession of unlicensed firearms which is also a violation of the law. There is no guarantee that the firearms were not used for any outward or unlawful activities during that period.
The US Embassy through the note verbale misrepresented facts by indicating that Kent is intending to import firearms.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/us-diplomat-in-gun-row/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

US Diplomat Smuggles 4 Guns Into Zim - Report

The United States embassy in Harare has announced that it is suspending some of the routine services it offers. This follows a government shutdown in the United States of America which has, in turn, resulted in the cutting of funding for some of the services. The notice reads as follow:
<blockquote>Effective December 22, there has been a lapse in appropriations funding some parts of the U.S Government. All scheduled passport and and visa services at the U.S Embassy will continue, and emergency services for U.S citizens are still available. All other routine U.S Embassy services are suspended until funding resumes. The U.S Mission in Zimbabwe will not be not be updating its social media platforms during the lapse in appropriations.</blockquote>

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