Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, [email protected].
A 30-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo Polytechnic student has been fined US$100 or in default three months’ imprisonment for labelling the institution’s principal, Mrs Chiedza Masanganise, a witch and accusing her of keeping a goblin in her office.
Methembe Khumalo, of Luveve suburb, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to indicating witches and wizards as defined in Section 99 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] by Bulawayo magistrate Mr Golden Muyambo.
Khumalo was also handed a four-month prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
In passing sentence, Mr Muyambo said the offence was serious as it targeted the dignity of a public office bearer and had the potential to cause fear and ridicule within the academic institution.
The magistrate, however, noted that Khumalo was a first offender who had shown remorse and that a custodial sentence would be too harsh in light of his personal circumstances and guilty plea.
“In the circumstances, a fine would serve as both punishment and deterrence to others who may seek to defame and demean people in authority through unfounded allegations of witchcraft,” ruled Mr Muyambo.
In mitigation, Khumalo pleaded for leniency, telling the court that he was remorseful and unemployed.
Prosecuting, Ms Karen Gundani submitted in aggravation that Khumalo’s conduct was disrespectful and had the potential to expose the complainant to public ridicule and embarrassment.
She said such conduct undermined authority and created a hostile environment at a public institution.
The court heard that on August 5, 2026, at about 2.30PM, Khumalo was seen at Bulawayo
Polytechnic pasting sheets of white paper bearing insulting messages directed at Mrs Masanganise.
The messages accused the principal of keeping a goblin in her office, which was allegedly terrorising Khumalo.
The papers containing the messages were produced in court as exhibits.
