A government minister wants $100,000 from a former opposition lawyer after she blasted him on social media. Tinoda Machakaire serves as Youth Minister and filed the defamation suit against Advocate Fadzayi Mahere on Monday. His legal team dropped off demand papers at her Harare office accusing her of spreading lies about him. The minister claims she damaged his reputation with false posts about corruption and stealing public money. Mahere allegedly said he bought fancy cars with government cash and dodged taxes.
The trouble started when Mahere posted on X about an $8 million tax dodge scheme. She suggested the minister escaped charges because of political connections. Her July 6 message reached 844,000 followers and sparked major online buzz. The minister's lawyers said her attacks were personal and not about his official duties. They want her to apologize publicly and take back her statements within 24 hours.
Legal experts warned Mahere could face serious consequences under defamation laws. The minister's team said her social media campaign caused financial harm and destroyed his good name. They argued she should have followed proper legal channels instead of posting accusations online. Mahere has not responded to the legal demand despite the tight deadline. The case could set a precedent for how politicians handle social media criticism.
The trouble started when Mahere posted on X about an $8 million tax dodge scheme. She suggested the minister escaped charges because of political connections. Her July 6 message reached 844,000 followers and sparked major online buzz. The minister's lawyers said her attacks were personal and not about his official duties. They want her to apologize publicly and take back her statements within 24 hours.
Legal experts warned Mahere could face serious consequences under defamation laws. The minister's team said her social media campaign caused financial harm and destroyed his good name. They argued she should have followed proper legal channels instead of posting accusations online. Mahere has not responded to the legal demand despite the tight deadline. The case could set a precedent for how politicians handle social media criticism.
