A Mutare man has been sentenced to two years in prison for cyber bullying a prominent Mutare businessman and Zanu PF central committee member, Esau Mupfumi.
Pride Madziwana (27) appeared before Magistrate Poterai Gwezira facing cyber bullying charges.
Gwezira, however, suspended 12 months of the sentence on condition that Madziwana does not commit the same offense within the next five years.
The remaining 12 months will be served as community service at the Mutare Civil Court.
According to the State, on April 28, 2026, the accused published a video on Facebook.
On May 11, Mupfumi received a video clip from his sister, Prisca Paida Chidemo.
In the video, Madziwana stated:
"Ndaona Honourable Mupfumi Ashaika seteam Mutare, Team Manicaland Ngavavanatire vapihwe Makore Mazhinji azere nehutano nehuchenjeri" meaning, "That I had a vision of Honourable Mupfumi passing away as team Mutare. Team Manicaland, let's pray for him so that he can have more years full of good health and wisdom."
The State argued that the video caused emotional distress to the complainant, who received concerned calls from relatives, business partners in the transport sector, and many people from around the world.
The court also heard that the video affected students whom Mupfumi sponsors for school fees.
Mupfumi reported the matter to the police, leading to Madziwana’s arrest.
He was found in possession of a Samsung cellphone used to record the video.
While appearing in court, Madziwana apologised, saying, “I want to apologize. I did it unknowingly.”