News / National
TikToker arrested for cyberbullying
06 Jan 2026 at 05:59hrs |
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A popular Kadoma-based TikToker has appeared before the courts facing cyberbullying charges following the alleged harassment of a freelance journalist.
Leona Rutendo Zinhu appeared before a Kadoma magistrate yesterday in connection with an incident that reportedly occurred on January 4. The matter was remanded to January 26 for trial.
Zinhu was released from custody, but the court ordered that her mobile phones be seized and taken to Harare for data extraction and cyber tracing as part of ongoing investigations.
The State alleges that Zinhu sent intimidating messages to freelance journalist Priscilla Zengeni, in violation of the Cyberbullying and Data Protection Act. Prosecutors say the messages contained threats of unspecified action.
According to court papers, Zengeni was working on a story related to a domestic violence case in which Zinhu had reported her husband, prominent businessman Blessed Chari, to the police for allegedly assaulting her. The case was recorded under CR 158/12/25.
The State further alleges that Zinhu, who is Chari's second wife, threatened Zengeni for pursuing the story, warning her not to interfere in what she described as personal matters. Zinhu is also accused of telling the journalist that any attempt to lodge a complaint would be futile.
Following the alleged threats, Zengeni reported the matter to the police, leading to Zinhu's arrest.
The case will return to court later this month as investigations continue.
Leona Rutendo Zinhu appeared before a Kadoma magistrate yesterday in connection with an incident that reportedly occurred on January 4. The matter was remanded to January 26 for trial.
Zinhu was released from custody, but the court ordered that her mobile phones be seized and taken to Harare for data extraction and cyber tracing as part of ongoing investigations.
The State alleges that Zinhu sent intimidating messages to freelance journalist Priscilla Zengeni, in violation of the Cyberbullying and Data Protection Act. Prosecutors say the messages contained threats of unspecified action.
According to court papers, Zengeni was working on a story related to a domestic violence case in which Zinhu had reported her husband, prominent businessman Blessed Chari, to the police for allegedly assaulting her. The case was recorded under CR 158/12/25.
The State further alleges that Zinhu, who is Chari's second wife, threatened Zengeni for pursuing the story, warning her not to interfere in what she described as personal matters. Zinhu is also accused of telling the journalist that any attempt to lodge a complaint would be futile.
Following the alleged threats, Zengeni reported the matter to the police, leading to Zinhu's arrest.
The case will return to court later this month as investigations continue.
Source - BMetro
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