By Nigel Pfunde
BULAWAYO — Sports journalist Tafadzwa Chigandiwa has been released out of custody following his appearance in court Tuesday in Bulawayo over cyberbullying charges linked to an investigative news report involving former Highlanders FC Vice Chairman Omega Sibanda.
The arrest stems from a story authored by Chigandiwa concerning a commercial dispute at the Highlanders Sports Club. In the article, it was alleged that a company associated with Omega Sibanda subcontracted another firm to carry out landscape rehabilitation at the sports facility.
The report further alleged that Sibanda’s company neglected to settle an outstanding balance of US$2,000 for the completed works.
Following the publication, charges were brought against the reporter under cyberbullying and harassment provisions, leading to his arrest.
During his court appearance, the prosecution did not proceed directly to trial, opting instead to issue directives for further investigation.
The court ordered the seizure of Chigandiwa’s mobile phone, which will be submitted to the Cyber Forensic Laboratory for digital evidence extraction.
Chigandiwa was released from custody without being placed on remand.
Once state investigators complete the forensic analysis of his phone and conclude their inquiries, the prosecution will issue a formal summons for him to return to court to face trial.
For now, the journalist remains out of custody as the state gathers its evidence.
Interestingly, in the article in question ,Chigandiwa duly made media enquiries to all parties involved in his pursuit of an objective and balanced story in tandem with upholding media ethics.
