NEW: Cyberbullies face up to 10 years in prison: Potraz

Online Reporter

INDIVIDUALS convicted of cyberbullying face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of US$ 700 or its equivalent in local currency, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has said.

In a statement, Potraz director-general Dr Gift Machengete said the regulatory authority was concerned with the spike in cases involving cyberbullying, which is a serious offence under the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act (Chapter 9:23).

“As digital interactions become part of our daily lives, the authority is deeply concerned by the rising cases of cyberbullying.

“Cyberbullying is a malicious act that involves sending or posting harmful intimidating or humiliating messages or information on social media platforms, private chats or other digital forums,” Dr Machengete said.

Such behaviour, he said, is intended to coerce, intimidate, harass, threaten or cause substantial emotional distress to victims.

“In extreme cases, it can lead to self-harm or even suicide, highlighting the grave emotional and psychological consequences of cyberbullying.

“Such conduct is a violation of personal privacy and a serious criminal offence under Section 1648b of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act (Chapter 9:23).

“According to the law, anyone convicted of cyberbullying may face a fine of up to Level 10 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both a fine and imprisonment.”