ZBC manager in court over goblins

A manager with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has been hauled before the court on allegations of insulting his brother-in-law over the phone, accusing him of possessing goblins and causing his sister to stroke.

Joseph Tawanda Nhara (49) appeared in court facing allegations of contravening the Postal and telecommunications Act, charged with making a telephone call without reasonable excuse for the purpose of causing annoyance. He denied the allegations and was remanded out of custody to 6 May for trial on US$50 bail.

It is State's case that on 22 March, Nhara's brother-in-law, George Tawoneyi sent his children to pick his wife who had suffered a stroke at Nhara's place in Gweru where she was being taken care of. It is alleged that on arrival, the children were chased away by Nhara who alleged that their father (Tawoneyi) was behind the sickness.

The court heard that at around 4.55pm, Nhara phoned Tawoneyi, insulting him of being behind the sickness of the accused's sister. he is further alleged to have accused Tawoneyi of possessing goblins as money making objects and at the same time making his sister suffer.

State counsel Francesca Mukumbiri represented the State.