News / National
Tenant in cyber-bullying storm over deposit
2 hrs ago | Views
A Harare man, Martin Tinashe Mtandi (35), has appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court on charges of cyberbullying and harassment after allegedly making threats against his former landlord on social media over a deposit refund dispute.
Mtandi, from Mt Pleasant Heights, was charged with the crime and released on US$200 bail by Harare provincial magistrate Isheanesu Matova.
The complainant, Macdonald Togara from Warren Park 1, is a property agent who operates out of Sentosa Gardens in Mabelreign, Harare. According to the prosecution, Mtandi had rented a flat from Togara through an agent, entering into a lease agreement for the property on August 1, 2023. The lease required that a deposit of US$750 be paid and that either party could terminate the agreement with three months' notice or mutual consent.
However, in October 2023, Mtandi informed Togara via WhatsApp that he would vacate the property on October 30, 2023, which was contrary to the terms of the lease. Mtandi allegedly left the property without notice, leaving behind damaged walls, a malfunctioning geyser, and a deformed toilet seat, which required costly repairs.
Following his departure, Mtandi reportedly demanded the return of his deposit, but Togara refused, citing the breach of the lease agreement and the expenses he incurred for the repairs.
Mtandi allegedly responded with threats, telling Togara he would "bash him on social media" and proceeded to post defamatory statements about Togara online. The court heard that Mtandi shared these allegations in a Facebook group called "Name and Shame Them" and on the Pam Golding Properties website.
In his post, Mtandi accused Togara of inflating repair costs and withholding tenants' deposits, claiming that the agent had a history of such behavior. He also allegedly attached a photograph of Togara to the post, further tarnishing his reputation.
The prosecution stated that Mtandi's actions had caused significant harm to Togara's reputation and business operations. The court heard that Togara's professional image and ability to effectively run his business had been negatively impacted by the online harassment.
Mtandi's case will continue as investigations into the incident proceed, with the defendant facing the possibility of more legal consequences if found guilty of cyberbullying and harassment.
Mtandi, from Mt Pleasant Heights, was charged with the crime and released on US$200 bail by Harare provincial magistrate Isheanesu Matova.
The complainant, Macdonald Togara from Warren Park 1, is a property agent who operates out of Sentosa Gardens in Mabelreign, Harare. According to the prosecution, Mtandi had rented a flat from Togara through an agent, entering into a lease agreement for the property on August 1, 2023. The lease required that a deposit of US$750 be paid and that either party could terminate the agreement with three months' notice or mutual consent.
However, in October 2023, Mtandi informed Togara via WhatsApp that he would vacate the property on October 30, 2023, which was contrary to the terms of the lease. Mtandi allegedly left the property without notice, leaving behind damaged walls, a malfunctioning geyser, and a deformed toilet seat, which required costly repairs.
Following his departure, Mtandi reportedly demanded the return of his deposit, but Togara refused, citing the breach of the lease agreement and the expenses he incurred for the repairs.
Mtandi allegedly responded with threats, telling Togara he would "bash him on social media" and proceeded to post defamatory statements about Togara online. The court heard that Mtandi shared these allegations in a Facebook group called "Name and Shame Them" and on the Pam Golding Properties website.
In his post, Mtandi accused Togara of inflating repair costs and withholding tenants' deposits, claiming that the agent had a history of such behavior. He also allegedly attached a photograph of Togara to the post, further tarnishing his reputation.
The prosecution stated that Mtandi's actions had caused significant harm to Togara's reputation and business operations. The court heard that Togara's professional image and ability to effectively run his business had been negatively impacted by the online harassment.
Mtandi's case will continue as investigations into the incident proceed, with the defendant facing the possibility of more legal consequences if found guilty of cyberbullying and harassment.
Source - newsday
