Gweru street vendors convicted for cyberbullying

Date:

MARTIN MAWAYA

Gweru Magistrate Arnold Maburo has convicted and cautioned two vendors, Lovemore Reketai, known as Dhingaka, and Bernard Tsotsi, for harassing and cyberbullying Costain Mukanganike, the 2023 ZANU-PF Gweru Urban primaries parliamentary candidate.

Costain Mukanganike.

Magistrate Maburo warned the duo against bullying and infringing on the rights of other citizens.

He said their testimony before the court failed to prove that the complainant is a thief.

“There is no evidence or proof to substantiate your claim, and you have been found guilty as charged,” ruled Magistrate Maburo.

The two vendors were convicted after a full trial for sending voice notes in the Gweru Vendors WhatsApp group, calling Mukanganike, who is also the managing director of Cosfoam Projects, a “conman” and advising others not to heed his words.

They were charged under Section 164B of Zimbabwe’s Cyber Security and Data Protection Act, which prohibits electronic harassment.

During the cross-examination, the magistrate also cautioned Reketai and Tsotsi against dragging the ZANU-PF party and its senior officials into the case.

The court heard that Mukanganike was informed of the messages through recordings sent by another group member, Pluckcedes Madhirize.

Speaking in an interview after the court ruling, Mukanganike expressed satisfaction, stating that “justice has been served, as the two failed to prove in court that I’m a thief.”

He added that he will be guided by his legal counsel in exploring further legal options.

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