Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A popular self-styled prophet, Elisha Rushinga, well known as Bigboss Isaiah, who is accused of cyberbullying another prophet, Madzibaba Moze, is expected back in court today, January 7, for bail ruling.
Rushinga was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate, Ms Ruth Moyo on Saturday.
The State, represented by Lawrence Gangarahwe, opposed bail and argued that Rushinga has a likelihood to abscond from trial if granted bail, considering that he fled when police officers introduced themselves to him.
He was arrested after the police gave chase.
He also assaulted two police officers while resisting arrest, proving that he is not a good candidate for bail, the court further heard.
Allegations are that on December 8, the complainant Lloyd ‘Madzibaba Moze’ Gwasira, was approached by his church members who informed him that Rushinga, using the moniker ‘Bigboss Isaiah’, was insulting him on social media platforms, mainly Facebook and Tik Tok.
He checked some of the videos and discovered that Rushinga was insulting and badmouthing him, claiming he was stealing from the state through dubious donations, stealing money from his followers at church in the name of praying for them and using juju to cast bad omen and spirits on his followers.
In one of the videos, Rushinga allegedly falsely accused Gwasira of stealing US$2,6 million from his church members.
He also posted another video accusing Gwasira of pouring acid on one Adha Chireka’s head.
As a result of the videos and messages sent by Rushinga on social media, Gwasira felt harassed, bullied and suffered substantial emotional distress.
