Two Chinhoyi Councillors Convicted After Calling a Woman a Prostitute in WhatsApp Messages
Two Chinhoyi Councillors Convicted After Calling a Woman a Prostitute in WhatsApp Messages – Two Chinhoyi councillors, Ruth Chikukwa and Jacqueline Zenda, narrowly avoided jail after being convicted of cyberbullying under the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act.
According to The Herald, the pair posted defamatory messages on a WhatsApp group, including calling fellow resident Linda Sauramba (45) a “prostitute.”
The court heard that on 17 November, Chikukwa posted an insulting message before Zenda escalated the abuse, writing:
“They do not have power but are just prostitutes… they failed to make use of their opportunity indulging in prostitution. They now want to engage in prostitution in old age. Let them look after grandchildren.”
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Magistrates ruled that the insults were unlawful and harmful, fining each councillor US$350 or three months in prison.
Prosecutor Brighton Machekera told the court that Sauramba felt “intimidated and humiliated,” prompting her to file a police report.
Observers say the ruling sets a strong precedent against online abuse.
A legal source commented:
“WhatsApp has become a breeding ground for reckless insults. This judgment sends a clear message: defamation on digital platforms has consequences.”
