Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A SEVENTH-DAY Adventist Evangelist, Simbarashe Marufu, was arrested yesterday on allegations of cyberbullying after he posted a video of three female churchmates on social media.
Marufu was arrested after the three women filed complaints claiming he had abused their video, and images, to gain online “likes.”
The women said they recorded a video of themselves preparing to preach.
They claimed that the video was later shared on Marufu’s social media page, along with a caption, in which he was mocking them.
The caption read:
“When shepherds have become wolves you, (the) pastor’s wife, your husband has been exposed… for a woman is the glory of man.
Muchavaziva nezvibereko zvavo.”
The post attracted a number of negative comments.
One of the women said she responded by urging other members of the church to take action against what she believed was an attack on their characters.
The three women then filed a police report at Marlborough Police Station on Saturday, under RRB 6875200.
After Marufu learnt about the report, he is believed to have consulted his lawyer, who advised him to issue an apology on the same social media platform.
His apology read:
“Sincere apologies to those who felt insulted or offended by my post and any inconveniences caused.
“Let the gospel wheels move in love. Bless you everyone.”
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case.
“Police are investigating a cyberbullying case involving a local church leader against his fellow churchmates.
“His cellphone, which he used, is now in the hands of police as investigations continue,” he said.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one of the victims claimed this was not the first time that Marufu has used his social media platforms to attack fellow church members.
The three women said they intend to pursue legal action, not only against Marufu, but also against church members they claim took advantage of the posts to insult their characters.
