Prominent opposition figure and attorney Fadzayi Mahere has filed a formal complaint with the Law Society of Zimbabwe against fellow lawyer Joshua Chirambwe, alleging sexual harassment through inappropriate messages in a professional WhatsApp group.
Mahere detailed in her letter to LSZ Executive Director Edward Mapara that Chirambwe, who describes himself as a prophet, posted sexually suggestive comments about her in the "Zim Advocates" group chat. These messages ultimately led her to leave the group.
The controversial messages, posted under the username "Young Money," included remarks describing Mahere and another female lawyer as being "sweet enough to make sugar." Chirambwe allegedly expressed his "adoration" for Mahere and commented on another woman's "elegance" in the group.
The Law Society has responded by issuing a notice to Chirambwe, requiring him to address these allegations within 14 days. According to Mapara's letter, the accusations suggest potential violations of the Legal Practitioners Code of Conduct and the LSZ Sexual Harassment Policy of 2024.
The LSZ cited specific breaches, including failure to treat professional colleagues with respect and making unwanted sexual advances that could reasonably be interpreted as intended to offend or humiliate. The organization emphasized that such behavior contravenes By-Laws 3(23) of the Legal Practitioners Code of Conduct and section 6.2.1 of its sexual harassment policy.
This case has drawn attention to professional conduct standards within Zimbabwe's legal community and highlighted ongoing efforts to address workplace harassment in professional settings. The Law Society's response underscores its commitment to maintaining professional dignity and respect among its members.
Mahere detailed in her letter to LSZ Executive Director Edward Mapara that Chirambwe, who describes himself as a prophet, posted sexually suggestive comments about her in the "Zim Advocates" group chat. These messages ultimately led her to leave the group.
The controversial messages, posted under the username "Young Money," included remarks describing Mahere and another female lawyer as being "sweet enough to make sugar." Chirambwe allegedly expressed his "adoration" for Mahere and commented on another woman's "elegance" in the group.
The Law Society has responded by issuing a notice to Chirambwe, requiring him to address these allegations within 14 days. According to Mapara's letter, the accusations suggest potential violations of the Legal Practitioners Code of Conduct and the LSZ Sexual Harassment Policy of 2024.
The LSZ cited specific breaches, including failure to treat professional colleagues with respect and making unwanted sexual advances that could reasonably be interpreted as intended to offend or humiliate. The organization emphasized that such behavior contravenes By-Laws 3(23) of the Legal Practitioners Code of Conduct and section 6.2.1 of its sexual harassment policy.
This case has drawn attention to professional conduct standards within Zimbabwe's legal community and highlighted ongoing efforts to address workplace harassment in professional settings. The Law Society's response underscores its commitment to maintaining professional dignity and respect among its members.
