Chivayo In-Law Linked to Love Triangle as Cyberbullying, Property Damage Case Lands in Court

HARARE — A domestic dispute involving the father-in-law of businessman Wicknell Chivayo has spilled into the courts, with allegations of cyberbullying, insults and malicious damage to property emerging from a complex relationship dispute. Millicent Murape appeared before Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki facing charges of cyberbullying under Zimbabwe's Cyber and Data Protection Act as well as malicious damage to property. The complainant is Mutseriwa Madzikanda, wife of businessman and medical practitioner David Madzikanda, who is also Chivayo's father-in-law.

According to evidence presented before the court, Murape was initially a lodger at the Madzikanda family residence before allegedly becoming involved in a romantic relationship with David Madzikanda. The State alleges that Murape sent a series of offensive and insulting WhatsApp messages to Mutseriwa, allegedly claiming she was taking over her husband and would become the new mistress of the household.

Testifying in court, Mutseriwa accused Murape of harassment and making allegations of witchcraft against her.

"This woman is our lodger and now my husband's girlfriend. She insulted me on WhatsApp and also broke my window panes," Mutseriwa told the court. "She accused me of bewitching her, saying I placed a charm on her doorstep so she would miscarry her pregnancy with Madzikanda's child."

Mutseriwa told the court she eventually sought a protection order after receiving what she described as abusive and threatening messages. She also recounted an incident in which she allegedly found her husband at Murape's apartment after deciding to confront her over the messages.

"I know Murape had her own husband, so I was surprised to see my husband inside her room in the middle of the day when he was supposed to be at work," she testified.

The complainant denied that jealousy was the driving force behind the legal action, insisting that her complaint centred on alleged harassment, cyberbullying and property damage.

During cross-examination, Mutseriwa acknowledged that her husband had relationships with other women but maintained that those relationships were not the basis of the charges before the court. In her defence, Murape denied all allegations and argued that both she and the complainant were involved with Madzikanda. She accused Mutseriwa of stalking her and attempting to tarnish her reputation because of the relationship. Murape also denied sending abusive WhatsApp messages or damaging any property belonging to the complainant.

According to court records, the alleged cyberbullying offences relate to WhatsApp messages reportedly sent on 5 July and 6 July 2025. The case is being prosecuted under provisions of Zimbabwe's Cyber and Data Protection Act, legislation designed to address online abuse, harassment and other digital offences.

The matter has been postponed to next week, when David Madzikanda is expected to testify before the court. His evidence is anticipated to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the relationship dispute and the allegations raised by both parties. The case remains before the courts.

Chivayo father-in-law court case