A HARARE man has appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court on allegations of cyber bullying after he made threats against and attacked his former landlord on Facebook for refusing to pay him back his deposit after he vacated his property.
Martin Tinashe Mtandi (35) from Mt Pleasant Heights appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Isheanesu Matova charged with the crime of cyber bullying and harassment.
He was released on US$200 bail.
Macdonald Togara from Warren Park 1 is the complainant in the case.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu alleged that on July 26, 2023, Mtandi applied for residential accommodation at Togara’s flat at Sentosa Gardens in Mabelreign, Harare, through an agent.
Togara accepted the application and both parties entered into a lease agreement.
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The court heard that Mtandi assumed occupation of the house on August 1 2023 and was supposed to refund tenants’ deposit fee of US$750.
The lease agreement stated that the lease would be terminated by either party upon three months’ notice in writing to the other party or by mutual agreement.
On October 17 this year, Mtandi allegedly communicated with Togara via WhatsApp that he was leaving the apartment on October 30, which was contrary to the lease agreement, the court heard.
Mtandi reportedly left the house on the day, leaving behind spoilt walls, a malfunctioning geyser and a deformed toilet seat.
Togara allegedly incurred expenses for the repairs and according to Jambawu, Mtandi started demanding his deposit fee, but the latter refused to refund him.
Togara reportedly cited the breach condition of the lease agreement and also that he had incurred expenses in repairing the house.
Mtandi is accused of sending Togara a threatening message that he would bash him on social media.
The court heard that Mtandi allegedly fulfilled his promise and posted on Facebook under “Name and Shame Them” group as well as on Pam Golding website.
“We now have Pam Golding Properties Zimbabwe agents taking advantage of tenants. They request a deposit to be paid to cover any repairs that might need to be done when the tenant moves out.
“One of your agents, Macdonald Togara, has a record of inflating repair costs so that he can pocket the money. He has denied paying out Sentosa Gardens tenants their deposit when they move out and this has been happening for a while now. If we can’t trust real estate companies now, who do we turn to for accommodation services?” he posted.
He also allegedly attached Togara’s photograph to the post.
Jambawu submitted that due to Mtandi’s action, Togara’s image and good administration of running business had been affected.