Former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation radio presenter Ezra Tshisa Sibanda has been fined $100 for sending abusive and insulting messages through his mobile phone to a Bulawayo resident, Noah Mpofu.

Sibanda (45) pleaded guilty to contravening section 88 (a) of the Postal and Telecommunications Act Chapter 12:05 (sending abusive and insulting messages through the cellphone) on Wednesday when he appeared before magistrate Temba Chimiso.

He, however, told the court that he committed the offence out of anger as he was provoked by the complainant during a group chat.

In his ruling, Chimiso said: “The accused’s conduct was that of minimal moral fortitude as the complainant was also on the wrong side. However that did not absolve the accused of wrong doing. I find a fine appropriate.”

The court heard that on July 1, Sibanda and Mpofu who are in a group chat called Bosso for Life engaged in a discussion centred on the performance of Highlanders Football Club. In the process, Sibanda opened Mpofu’s Facebook account and sent an abusive message about the latter’s mother.

Mpofu reported the matter to the police, leading to Sibanda’s arrest.Source: Southern Eye