Zambian musician Elton Mulenga, popularly known as Yo Maps, has testified against Facebook blogger Elias Musyani in the Lusaka Magistrates Court.
Mulenga accused Musyani of engaging in a relentless campaign of cyberbullying and hate speech, targeting his wife, Kidist Kifle, and their toddler daughter.
According to Mulenga’s testimony, Musyani’s harassment began on January 9, 2024, when he posted a picture of Kidist, calling her “long face.”
The harassment continued, with Musyani posting pictures of Kidist and making derogatory comments about her. Mulenga alleged that Musyani called his wife a prostitute and his daughter a “gumugumu” (local name for monitor lizard).
Musyani allegedly made threats of rape and abduction against Kidist and her child on social media.
Mulenga testified that he had tried to reason with Musyani, but the blogger’s behavior only escalated.
He stated that Musyani’s actions had caused his family significant emotional distress and had affected their daily lives.
Musyani has been charged under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021. He has pleaded not guilty to the accusations.
The matter adjourned to January 10, 2025 for continued trial.
