Ex-Police Officer Togara Fambi Re-Arrested Over Social Media Posts as Cyberbullying Charge Falters

MASVINGO – Former police officer and opposition leader Togara Fambi has been re-arrested and charged with cyberbullying after posting political content on Facebook, in a case that is raising fresh questions about freedom of expression and the use of cyber laws in Zimbabwe.

Fambi, who previously held the rank of Assistant Inspector and is now president of the National Progressive Democrats (NPD), spent two nights in custody at Masvingo Central Police Station. He maintains that the arrest is politically motivated.

According to police, Fambi was initially arrested on Sunday after a warrant had been issued for his failure to attend a police disciplinary hearing linked to alleged breaches of the Police Act. He was intercepted at a roadblock about 10 kilometres outside Gwanda before being transferred to Masvingo. Fambi, however, disputes the validity of the warrant, arguing that the summons had been improperly served.

“The document was left with my 16-year-old child, who cannot legally acknowledge such service,” he said.

After being released on Monday, Fambi was directed to the CID Law and Order section of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, where he was immediately re-arrested—this time on allegations of cyberbullying. The charge relates to social media posts made between April and May 2025 that were critical of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration. He spent a further night in custody before appearing in court on Tuesday.

In a significant development, prosecutor Ruvimbo Makoni declined to proceed with the cyberbullying charge, telling the court that the case could not be sustained in its current form.

However, authorities indicated that investigations are ongoing, with the matter expected to return to court on 21 May 2026, likely by way of summons.

The case has drawn attention from legal observers and rights advocates, who say it reflects growing tension between state authorities and individuals expressing political views online.

Legal experts note that while cyber laws are designed to curb online abuse, their application in political contexts remains contentious.

“There is a fine line between legitimate law enforcement and the suppression of dissent. Each case must be carefully scrutinised,” said a Harare-based legal analyst.

Fambi insists he is being targeted for his criticism of the government, a claim authorities have not publicly addressed. His case adds to a broader pattern of politically sensitive arrests involving social media activity, as digital platforms increasingly become spaces for political engagement in Zimbabwe. Police say further investigations are underway, and the matter is expected to proceed in court later this month. Fambi remains out of custody pending the next court process.

Togara Fambi arrest