Man jailed for cyber bullying businessman Esau Mupfumi

A 27-year-old Mutare man, Pride Madziwana, has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of cyberbullying Zanu-PF central committee member and businessman Esau Mupfumi.

Madziwana appeared before Mutare magistrate Poterai Gwezira, who handed down the sentence but suspended 12 months on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years. The remaining 12 months will be served through community service at the Mutare Civil Court.

The court heard that on April 28, 2026, Madziwana recorded and published a video on Facebook in which he made remarks interpreted as suggesting a vision of Mupfumi's death, while urging prayers for his longevity and wellbeing.

In the video, he said in Shona: "Ndaona Honourable Mupfumi Ashaika seteam Mutare, Team Manicaland Ngavavanatire vapihwe Makore Mazhinji azere nehutano nehuchenjeri," loosely translated as a statement suggesting a vision of the businessman passing away and a call for prayers for his continued health.

The State argued that the video caused emotional distress to Mupfumi, who reportedly received numerous concerned calls from relatives, business associates in the transport sector, and members of the public after the clip circulated widely.

Prosecutors also told the court that the content had an impact on students whose education is supported by Mupfumi, further amplifying concerns about reputational and psychological harm.

Mupfumi subsequently reported the matter to the police, leading to Madziwana's arrest. A Samsung cellphone allegedly used to record and distribute the video was recovered.

In mitigation, Madziwana apologised in court, saying: "I want to apologise. I did it unknowingly."

The case adds to a growing number of cyber-related prosecutions in Zimbabwe as authorities increasingly enforce laws governing online conduct and digital communication.