Businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, and her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda, were remanded in custody yesterday by a Harare magistrate over al...
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s ex-wife, Sonja Madzikanda, and her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda, were remanded in custody yesterday by a Harare magistrate over allegations of cyberbullying and harassment involving Mr Chivayo.
The two appeared before Nyaradzo Manokore at the Harare Magistrates Court facing charges linked to the alleged unlawful publication of photographs and videos involving Mr Chivayo. Their bail ruling was postponed to today after the court raised concerns regarding the State’s position on bail.
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According to court proceedings, the State was represented by prosecutor Monalisa Magwenzi, who informed the court that the State was no longer opposing bail for the two accused persons. However, Magistrate Manokore questioned the change in position after noting that court documents initially showed that the State intended to oppose bail.
The magistrate requested the State to explain why its position had changed from the contents contained in its earlier submissions. Following the exchange in court, Magistrate Manokore said she needed more time to go through the proceedings before making a determination on bail. The matter was then rolled over to today for ruling.
The State alleges that during the marriage between Mr Chivayo and Sonja Madzikanda, she unlawfully accessed his cellphone and downloaded several photographs and videos stored on the device. Prosecutors allege that after obtaining the material, she shared it with her mother, Tabitha Madzikanda.
According to the allegations placed before the court, the two later used artificial intelligence technology to generate photographs purporting to show Mr Chivayo in association with Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa. The State alleges that the images were created and circulated without lawful authority.
Prosecutors further allege that the photographs and videos were later published on different social media platforms where they spread widely. The State told the court that the material went viral online and attracted public attention across several digital platforms.
The court also heard that the alleged publication of the material caused Mr Chivayo emotional distress and humiliation. The allegations form part of the cyberbullying and harassment charges now before the court. No plea was recorded during the court appearance.
The matter has attracted attention because of the involvement of artificial intelligence and social media in the allegations presented before the court. The State maintains that the publication and circulation of the material were unlawful and constituted harassment against Mr Chivayo.
Magistrate Manokore is expected to deliver the bail ruling today after reviewing submissions made by both the prosecution and the defence. Sonja Madzikanda and Tabitha Madzikanda remained in custody pending the outcome of the ruling.
