Olinda Chapel survives cyberbullying charges

Cyberbullying charges against UK-based socialite and businesswoman Olinda Chapel were withdrawn by the State on Wednesday before she entered a plea, following her appearance before Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo.

Prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe informed the court that the matter would no longer be pursued, and Chapel was therefore not asked to plead. The charges stemmed from a Facebook Live broadcast in which Chapel was accused of attacking Dyonne Tafirenyika and involving Tafirenyika's child on social media. Chapel had previously been released on US$100 bail pending routine remand.

Following the hearing, Chapel issued a written statement and recorded a live public apology, taking full accountability for her actions. She acknowledged using demeaning and insulting language, spreading false information, and damaging Dyonne's character and reputation. Chapel admitted that involving Tafirenyika's child was the most serious aspect of her conduct, describing it as crossing "an unforgivable boundary" and acknowledging that she had interfered with the parent-child relationship.

Chapel also apologised to Kelsea Tafirenyika, admitting that she had mentioned her by name and used offensive and disrespectful language. She emphasised that the dispute "was never about a man" and rejected any suggestions to the contrary as false.

Prior to the withdrawal of charges, Chapel had been required to surrender her passport, refrain from interfering with State witnesses, and report fortnightly to Borrowdale Police Station.