Due to allegations made in a WhatsApp community group, former Zimbabwean First Lady Grace Mugabe has withdrawn her defamation lawsuit against local attorney Munyaradzi Bwanya. Bwanya was accused of defaming Mugabe by the complaint, which sought US$50,000 in damages, by claiming that she wrongfully acquired assets by abusing her influence.
Bwanya is accused of posting messages in the Carrick Creagh Home Owners Association WhatsApp group, which is the basis for the lawsuit. These messages allegedly claimed that Mugabe leveraged her connections to bypass regular processes for property acquisitions at the Carrick Creagh Estate, a claim that Bwanya has since denied.
According to the legal documents, Bwanya was accused of falsely stating that Mugabe abused her power and was involved in the illegal acquisition of government property, distributing it among her close relatives and friends. These allegations were said to paint a picture of corruption and conspiracy between Mugabe and the government.
However, Bwanya countered these claims by asserting his innocence, stating he never posted such messages and didn’t own the phone number that did. He emphasized the ease with which the truth of the allegations could be verified, pointing out the large number of witnesses—498 members of the WhatsApp group—who could attest to the facts.
In a letter addressed to Mugabe’s legal team, Bwanya urged them to review the evidence thoroughly, highlighting their responsibilities as legal practitioners to uphold truth and justice. He warned that should the lawsuit proceed without a proper basis, he was prepared to defend his rights vigorously.
The resolution came when Takunda Mark Gombiro of Chimwamurombe Legal Practice, representing Mugabe, issued a formal apology to Bwanya. Gombiro acknowledged that the claim against Bwanya could not be sustained after a thorough review of the correspondence and evidence, which included detailed discussions and a review of the accusatory letter.
Both sides seem to be looking for closure on this issue now that the court proceedings have ended in the hopes of putting the accusations and miscommunications that led to their fight behind them. This event should serve as a warning about the potential for misuse of digital communication and the resulting legal complications.
