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NewsDay journalist acquitted
MISA-Zimbabwe
February 12, 2013

Masvingo Magistrate Lyn Manyika on 11 February 2013 acquitted Ropafadzo Mapimhidze, NewsDay features and supplements editor. Mapimhidze was being charged with contravening section 88 (c) of the Postal and Telecommunications Act (Chapter 12:05) for threatening Chief Rangarirai Nhema over a telephone conversation last year.

The magistrate ruled that the State had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Chief Nhema, who confirmed in court while leading evidence that Zanu PF set up a base at his homestead, said he was threatened by Mapimhidze and felt terrified because his house was once burnt in 2008.

Nhema was the sole witness in the case. Mapimhidze, through her lawyer Martin Mureri of Matutu, Kwirira and Associates, argued in her defence that she never threatened the chief, but wanted to get his comment on allegations that he was summoning villagers in his area threatening them with unspecified action if they did not vote for Zanu PF.

Background

Newsday features and supplements editor Ropafadzo Mapimhidze was facing charges of contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act for allegedly threatening Zaka chief Rangarirai Nhema during a telephone conversation with unspecified actions if he continued to harass MDC supporters in his area.

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