Prominent Zimbabwean comedienne and social media personality Mai TT is one of two complainants in a new cyberbullying and harassment case against social influencer Patricia Jack, who was remanded in custody after appearing before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Prosecutors allege the 35-year-old published offensive and defamatory content targeting Mai TT and another woman across Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp, causing emotional distress and reputational harm.
Jack appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody pending bail proceedings scheduled for Thursday.
According to the State, Jack allegedly used various social media platforms to post messages and videos targeting the complainants in separate incidents.
In one case, prosecutors allege that she published content on Facebook and TikTok accusing popular comedienne and social media personality Mai TT of being involved in prostitution and theft.
The State further alleges that Jack claimed to have previously been romantically involved with Mai TT’s husband before making derogatory comments about her children.
A second complainant alleges that Jack circulated WhatsApp messages and social media posts accusing her of engaging in extramarital relationships. Prosecutors also claim that Jack falsely alleged the woman was HIV positive and receiving antiretroviral treatment.
The State contends that the publications were intended to intimidate, harass, bully and cause emotional harm to the complainants.
Jack has been charged under provisions of Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act relating to cyberbullying and harassment.
The latest allegations come only weeks after Jack was convicted of disorderly conduct following an incident at Highlands Police Station in Harare.
In April, she admitted to creating a disturbance at the station after arriving there following the arrest of a friend.
Prosecutors said she shouted at police officers, used abusive language and repeatedly invoked the names of senior government officials while accusing officers of corruption.
The court heard that she threatened to use her alleged connections to have officers dismissed and accused police at the station of accepting bribes, conduct which prosecutors said disrupted operations and brought the station into disrepute.
Appearing before magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai, Jack pleaded guilty to the disorderly conduct charge and was fined US$150 or, in default, 30 days in prison.
While condemning her behaviour, magistrate Kuhudzai noted that she was a first-time offender and a single mother when imposing sentence.
During mitigation, Jack told the court she was divorced, cared for an 11-year-old child and earned a living as a social influencer. She apologised for her conduct and assured the court she would not commit a similar offence again.
The State was represented in that matter by prosecutor Takudzwa Mutyavaviri, while the complainant was represented by Emma Habeza of ZRP Highlands.
With her latest court appearance, Jack has once again found herself before the Harare Magistrates’ Court, where she now faces a fresh legal battle over her online activities.
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