
On Wednesday, Evangelist Sam Marufu left the Harare Magistrates Court without being convicted, but his cyberbullying case against three female Seventh-day Adventist church members was indefinitely postponed due to unresolved procedural issues.
Marufu faces accusations of posting a video mocking the three women on social media, allegedly to gain online attention, with the case representing a challenge to church leadership accountability in Zimbabwe.
The women, Rotina Mafume Musara, Alasia Mbiriri, and Perseverance Muzeya, claim Marufu shared their recorded video of preparing for ministry with a caption that ridiculed their appearance and roles, aligning with the biblical call for justice in representing others’ concerns.
Prosecutors declined to proceed with the case, referring it back to the police for confirmation that Marufu owned the Facebook page where the video and its mocking caption were posted, emphasizing the need for factual evidence in legal matters.
Marufu’s defense lawyer contested the women’s allegations, challenging them to produce proof of the posts, which highlights the complexities in digital evidence verification required for fair proceedings.
The NPA insists on establishing Marufu’s ownership of the account before the case can move forward, ensuring all claims are scrutinized through proper investigation channels.
In response to the stalling, the three women filed a formal police report at Marlborough Police Station, seeking clarification and action under relevant regulations.
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