Ex-cop arrested over Facebook posts, cyberbullying case thrown out

Former Assistant Inspector Togara Fambi has been arrested and detained over political posts on Facebook, before later facing and defeating a fresh cyberbullying charge in court.

Fambi, who resigned from the Zimbabwe Republic Police eight months ago and now leads the National Progressive Democrats (NPD), was initially arrested after a warrant was issued for his failure to appear before a police disciplinary hearing.

He was reportedly picked up at a roadblock about 10 kilometres outside Gwanda and taken to Masvingo Central Police Station, where he spent a night in custody.

Authorities allege that Fambi violated the Police Act by posting political content on his Facebook page while still a serving officer, including statements indicating his intention to enter politics.

After his initial detention, he was released but immediately rearrested at CID Law and Order on a separate charge of cyberbullying linked to posts made between April 26 and May 7, 2025. He was again detained overnight.

However, the cyberbullying case was later dismissed in court, with the prosecutor, Ruvimbo Makoni, ruling that the matter lacked merit and could not be sustained.

The State indicated that the matter would instead proceed by way of summons, with Fambi expected back in court on May 21, 2026.

Fambi has claimed he is being targeted for his political criticism of the government led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, describing the actions against him as persecution.

He further argued that the disciplinary process was flawed, stating that official summons were allegedly served to his 16-year-old child, who he says could not legally acknowledge receipt of court documents.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between former security personnel entering politics and the enforcement of disciplinary and cyber laws governing public speech in Zimbabwe.