Leona Rutendo Zinhu, a prominent TikTok personality based in Kadoma, appeared before a magistrate yesterday facing charges under the Cyberbullying and Data Protection Act. The 26-year-old is accused of sending intimidating messages to freelance journalist Priscilla Zengeni on January 4, attempting to stop her from reporting on a domestic violence case involving Zinhu’s husband, businessman Blessed Chari.
What are the key facts of the case?
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The Accused: Leona Rutendo Zinhu (26), a popular TikTok influencer and the second wife of businessman Blessed Chari.
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The Charges: Violation of the Cyberbullying and Data Protection Act for allegedly harassing a journalist.
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The Complainant: Priscilla Zengeni, a freelance journalist investigating a domestic dispute.
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The Trigger: The conflict arose from a police report (CR 158/12/25) alleging that Blessed Chari physically assaulted Leona.
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Court Outcome: Zinhu was remanded out of custody to January 26 for trial. Her mobile phones were seized by the state for cyber forensic analysis in Harare.
Why is this case controversial?
This incident highlights the growing tension between social media personalities and the press in Zimbabwe. While influencers often use platforms like TikTok to curate their public image, this case suggests a shift towards using digital channels to allegedly intimidate reporters. The charges against Leona Zinhu underscore the legal risks associated with online communication, particularly when it obstructs journalistic duties.
Furthermore, the involvement of a well-known local businessman, Blessed Chari, adds a layer of high-profile scrutiny to the matter. The allegations suggest that Zinhu was attempting to protect her husband’s reputation or their personal privacy by silencing the journalist. The state’s decision to seize her devices for “cyber tracing” indicates a serious approach to enforcing the Data Protection Act against online threats.
Sequence of Events
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December 2025: A domestic violence case is opened (CR 158/12/25) alleging Blessed Chari assaulted Leona Zinhu.
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January 4, 2026: Journalist Priscilla Zengeni investigates the story; Leona allegedly sends threatening messages warning her to back off.
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Post-Threats: Zengeni files a police report regarding the intimidation.
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January 5, 2026: Leona Zinhu is arrested and appears before a Kadoma magistrate.
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January 26, 2026: The trial is scheduled to commence.
