The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court is today expected to deliver its much-anticipated judgment in the case involving controversial blogger Elias Musyani, who has been charged under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act for allegedly defaming popular socialite and entrepreneur Kidist Kifle Mulenga.
According to court documents, Musyani is accused of publishing damaging statements on social media, in which he allegedly referred to Mrs. Mulenga as a prostitute and labeled her an “evil stepmother.” The posts quickly went viral, causing widespread online outrage and triggering a legal response from the socialite, who is well-known in Lusaka’s social circles and is married to media personality and businessman, Patricio Mulenga.
In addition to the defamatory remarks, Musyani is also alleged to have issued threats of a sexual nature, including an explicit threat to rape Mrs. Mulenga. The threats were reportedly made through online platforms, sparking national concern and prompting public debates about the boundaries of free speech, cyberbullying, and digital safety—especially for women in the public eye.
The charges were formally filed under Zambia’s Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, a law enacted to combat rising incidences of cyber harassment, online defamation, and digital threats. The Act empowers authorities to prosecute individuals who misuse digital platforms to cause harm, intimidate, or spread false information.
Legal experts have been following the case closely, citing its implications for freedom of expression in Zambia and the growing need for responsible behavior on social media. If found guilty, Musyani faces a maximum prison sentence of five years.
Mrs. Mulenga has maintained that the accusations and threats caused emotional distress and posed a serious risk to her safety and that of her family. She has also used her platform to advocate for stronger enforcement of cyber laws to protect victims of online abuse.
The judgment, which is expected to be delivered later today, will not only determine Musyani’s fate but could also set a precedent for future cases involving cyber harassment and defamation in the country.
By Darius Choonya
