HARARE, ZIMBABWE – A cyberbullying case against Seventh-day Adventist evangelist Simbarashe “Sam” Marufu has been temporarily halted after Zimbabwean prosecutors ruled that investigators must first establish whether he was responsible for a Facebook account that allegedly carried defamatory posts about three female church members.
According to a report in Nehanda Radio, the case, which had been scheduled to continue before the Harare Magistrates’ Court, was referred back to police after prosecutors found the available digital evidence insufficient to proceed. Investigators have been directed to seek information from Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to determine whether the account belongs to Marufu and whether he published the disputed content.
Until that evidence is obtained, no further court proceedings are expected, and Marufu remains free while the investigation continues.
The case stems from allegations that Marufu reposted a video of three female Seventh-day Adventist Church members while they were preparing to preach, according to Kwedu News’s Dumisani Ndlovu. The women alleged that the video was accompanied by the caption: “When shepherds have become wolves you, (the) Pastor’s wife, your husband has been exposed… for a woman is the glory of man. Muchavaziva nezvibereko zvavo (By their fruits, they shall be known),” which they said mocked and humiliated them.
According to the complainants, the post attracted numerous negative comments from social media users, damaging their reputations. The women, identified as Rotina Mafume Musara, Alasia Mbiriri, and Perseverance Muzeya, reported the matter to Marlborough Police Station, leading to Marufu’s arrest on allegations of cyberbullying.
After learning that a police report had been filed, Marufu reportedly sought legal advice and later posted a public apology on the same social media platform.
“Sincere apologies to those who felt insulted or offended by my post and any inconveniences caused. Let the gospel wheels move in love. Bless you everyone,” Marufu wrote.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza previously confirmed the arrest, saying Marufu’s cellphone had been seized as part of the investigation.
Through his lawyer, Admire Rubaya, Marufu has consistently denied responsibility for the posts, arguing that it is the complainants’ responsibility to prove he authored or published the material in question.
The three women have also indicated they intend to pursue legal action against Marufu, as well as other church members they allege used the social media post to insult and defame them.
The prosecution’s decision underscores the importance of digital forensic evidence in cybercrime cases, particularly where ownership and control of online accounts are disputed. Police are expected to continue their investigations, including efforts to obtain records from Meta, before the National Prosecuting Authority determines whether there is sufficient evidence to revive the case.
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