Journalist Chigandiwa released on summons

On 21 July 2026, journalist Tafadzwa Chigandiwa was released on summons in Bulawayo pending completion of police investigations on allegations of cyberbullying and harassment.

The allegations arise from a publication on Chigandiwa’s Facebook page. It is alleged that the publication alleged that former legislator Omega Sibanda, who is the complainant, owed money for unpaid work done.

Sibanda alleges the publication is false and was intended to defame him.

According to his lawyer, Constance Mathaba, Chigandiwa appeared before the District Public Prosecutor, Vhusani Moyo, for vetting of the matter. After reviewing the docket and available evidence, it was agreed that, at this stage, the matter did not meet the threshold for remand.

He is expected to be summoned to court once the investigations are complete and the prosecution is satisfied that the matter is ready for trial. The investigations include a forensic examination of Chigandiwa’s mobile phone.

Chigandiwa voluntarily surrendered his phone for the extraction of any evidence considered relevant to the investigation.

Meanwhile, Chigandiwa was briefly detained at Khumalo Police Station on 20 July 2026, where he signed a warned and cautioned statement denying the allegations.