Woman lands US$120 fine for cyberbullying neighbour

The intern allegedly stole a laptop and sold it in neighbouring Mozambique

Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

A Harare woman has been fined for cyberbullying her neighbour, whom she accused of being a prostitute.

Media Mashiri was convicted by Harare provincial magistrate Mr Gamuchirai Gore and fined US$120.

Should she fail to pay, she will serve 45 days in prison.

Prosecutor Mrs Mandirasa Chigumira told the court that on May 10, Mashiri sent a text message to her neighbour, Babra Maruza, accusing her of being a prostitute and habitually stealing other women’s husbands.

“In the transmitted text message, the accused bullied the complainant by alleging that the complainant was a prostitute who snatched other people’s husbands, a liar, evil-hearted and of loose morals,” she said.

The court heard that the message caused Maruza of having a heated altercation with her husband, leaving her emotionally distressed, humiliated and degraded.

The ordeal prompted Maruza to report the matter to the police, resulting in Mashiri’s arrest.

Mr Gore noted that cyberbullying was a serious offence that could have lasting effects on victims and highlighted the importance of upholding respect and dignity within communities.