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2 Zanu-PF activists convicted of cyber bullying and harassment
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Two Zanu-PF activists, Lovemore Reketai Dhingaka and Bernard Tsotsi, have been convicted of cyber bullying and harassment for targeting the party's aspiring candidate for the Gweru Urban constituency, Constain Mukanganike.
Gweru magistrate Arnold Maburo handed down the conviction and cautioned the pair against using social media platforms to insult and harass others. The duo was charged under Section 164B of Zimbabwe's Cyber Security and Data Protection Act, which prohibits the use of electronic communication systems to bully or harass individuals.
During the trial, Dhingaka and Tsotsi sought to involve high-ranking Zanu-PF officials in their case, a move sternly dismissed by the magistrate, who reminded them that the party's name should not be used to justify criminal behavior.
The two did not deny making abusive statements against Mukanganike, claiming instead that he had misappropriated funds from a housing scheme in 2021. However, the State challenged them to explain why they had not reported their allegations to the police, dismissing their claims as unfounded.
According to the prosecution, the activists used a WhatsApp group named "Gweru Vendors" to post defamatory messages. On October 28, 2024, Dhingaka and Tsotsi reportedly sent voice notes in the group, accusing Mukanganike of being a "thief" and urging members to disregard him.
Mukanganike, who is also the managing director of Cosfoam Projects, was informed of the posts by another group member, Pluckcedes Madhirize, who recorded the voice notes. He subsequently reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the two activists.
The conviction has sent a strong message about the misuse of social media for harassment, with the court underscoring the importance of accountability and the responsible use of electronic communication platforms.
Gweru magistrate Arnold Maburo handed down the conviction and cautioned the pair against using social media platforms to insult and harass others. The duo was charged under Section 164B of Zimbabwe's Cyber Security and Data Protection Act, which prohibits the use of electronic communication systems to bully or harass individuals.
During the trial, Dhingaka and Tsotsi sought to involve high-ranking Zanu-PF officials in their case, a move sternly dismissed by the magistrate, who reminded them that the party's name should not be used to justify criminal behavior.
The two did not deny making abusive statements against Mukanganike, claiming instead that he had misappropriated funds from a housing scheme in 2021. However, the State challenged them to explain why they had not reported their allegations to the police, dismissing their claims as unfounded.
According to the prosecution, the activists used a WhatsApp group named "Gweru Vendors" to post defamatory messages. On October 28, 2024, Dhingaka and Tsotsi reportedly sent voice notes in the group, accusing Mukanganike of being a "thief" and urging members to disregard him.
Mukanganike, who is also the managing director of Cosfoam Projects, was informed of the posts by another group member, Pluckcedes Madhirize, who recorded the voice notes. He subsequently reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the two activists.
The conviction has sent a strong message about the misuse of social media for harassment, with the court underscoring the importance of accountability and the responsible use of electronic communication platforms.
Source - newsday
