Two investigators have testified in court regarding how acclaimed artist and music producer Elton Mulenga, popularly known as Yo Maps, reported threats allegedly issued against his family by businessman and blogger Elias Musyani via Facebook.
According to the witnesses, Mr. Mulenga complained that Mr. Musyani had made defamatory statements against his wife, Kidist Kifle, referring to her as a prostitute.
Musyani is facing charges of harassment using electronic communication, in violation of Section 69 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021. He allegedly threatened to send thugs to rape Ms. Kidist in the presence of her husband and to abduct their daughter.
The alleged offense occurred on April 8, 2024, when Musyani is said to have used his Facebook page, Elias Musyani, to intentionally initiate electronic communication aimed at coercing, intimidating, harassing, or causing emotional distress to Ms. Kifle.
Cyber Crime Investigator Testifies
During trial, cybercrime investigator Detective Sergeant Mooba Michelo testified that Mr. Mulenga had reported Musyani for threats against his family.
Mr. Michelo, who is also attached to the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), stated that on April 17, 2024, he received a complaint regarding harassment through electronic communication.
“One male, Elton Mulenga of Lilayi, Lusaka, complained that a known person, through a Facebook page under the name Elias Musyani, had posted pictures of his wife without consent, along with defamatory content referring to her as a prostitute,” he said.
The investigator added that after interviewing Mr. Mulenga, it was established that the defamatory content had been posted as far back as 2021.
On April 19, 2024, around 18:30, Sergeant Masuwa and Mr. Michelo went to Pamodzi Hotel, where Musyani was apprehended.
“It was established that the suspect had arranged a meeting with the complainant’s wife to seek forgiveness for the offense,” he added.
Cross-Examination by the Defense
During cross-examination, defense lawyer Douglas Njolomba questioned Mr. Michelo on whether the indictment explicitly stated that Musyani called Ms. Kifle a prostitute.
In response, Mr. Michelo admitted that it did not.
The investigator also acknowledged that he was not aware of over 10 different Facebook accounts under the name Elias Musyani.
Arresting Officer’s Testimony
The second witness, detective sergeant Kondwani Masuwa, also testified that on April 17, 2024, he received a complaint from Mr. Mulenga.
He told the court that the “They Want Me Down” singer had reported being harassed and intimidated via Facebook, through a page under Musyani’s name.
“He mentioned that the said page was posting a lot of content that intimidated him, harassed his wife, and threatened his entire family. To support his complaint, he provided me with screenshots of the posts in question,” said Mr. Masuwa.
The officer further stated that Musyani allegedly threatened to send thugs to beat up Ms. Kifle’s husband, referring to him as “mabonzo” and to “doda” her in front of him, while also threatening to abduct their daughter.
The trial continues.