SDA Evangelist Arrested Over Alleged Cyberbullying of Church Members
Seventh-day Adventist evangelist Simbarashe Marufu has been arrested in Harare over alleged cyberbullying after allegedly posting a video of three female church members with a mocking caption. Police investigations are ongoing.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Harare — A Seventh-day Adventist Evangelist, Simbarashe Marufu, was arrested on Friday, June 3, on allegations of cyberbullying after he allegedly shared a video of three female church members on social media accompanied by a caption that they claim mocked and humiliated them.
According to the complainants, the three women had recorded a video of themselves while preparing to preach.
They allege that Marufu later reposted the video on his social media platform with a caption they considered insulting and intended to ridicule them publicly.
The caption reportedly read:
"When shepherds have become wolves you, (the) Pastor's wife, your husband has been exposed… for a woman is the glory of man. Muchavaziva nezvibereko zvavo."
The post allegedly attracted numerous negative comments from social media users, prompting concern among the women, who said their reputations had been damaged.
One of the complainants said she urged fellow church members to intervene after viewing the post, believing it amounted to an attack on their characters.
The matter was reported to Marlborough Police Station on Saturday under reference number RRB 6875200.
After learning that a police report had been filed, Marufu is understood to have sought legal advice. He subsequently posted a public apology on the same social media platform.
His apology read:
"Sincere apologies to those who felt insulted or offended by my post and any inconveniences caused. Let the gospel wheels move in love. Bless you everyone."
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza ,confirmed the arrest and said investigations were continuing.
"Police are investigating a cyberbullying case involving a local church leader against his fellow churchmates.
His cellphone, which he used, is now in the hands of police as investigations continue," Chakanza said.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one of the complainants alleged that this was not the first time Marufu had used his social media platforms to target fellow church members.
The three women said they also intend to pursue legal action against Marufu as well as other church members whom they allege used the social media post to insult and defame them.
