Today marks a significant day for Kidist Kifle, Elias Musyani, and the wider online community, as the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court is set to deliver judgment in a case where Musyani is alleged to have harassed Yo Maps’ wife online.
According to TV Yatu, Magistrate Mutinta Mwenya stated that despite being on leave, she would attend court specifically to deliver judgment in this high-profile matter.
Musyani is facing two counts of harassment using electronic means, contrary to Section 69 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021.
The case stems from a complaint filed by Kidist Kifle, wife of popular musician Yo Maps, who accused Musyani of harassing her via Facebook in April last year. Kifle alleges that Musyani went as far as threatening to send people to rape her.
Of particular note is that Musyani’s defense team had previously applied for a plea bargain under the Pre-Negotiation and Agreement Act of 2010. However, the application was unsuccessful. Had it been accepted, it could have led to a reconciliation between the two parties and possibly a lesser sentence or the withdrawal of charges.
If convicted, Musyani could face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
-TV Yatu