Zimbabwe’s National Prosecuting Authority declined to prosecute one of the country’s biggest podcasters, journalist Owen Madondo, popularly known as DJ Ollah 7, after he was arrested on charges including cyberbullying.
Image: Instagram
Zimbabwe’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that it would not pursue charges against one of the country’s biggest podcasters, journalist Owen Madondo, popularly known as DJ Ollah 7, after he was arrested on charges of cyberbullying.
The former radio talk show host interacted briefly with journalists outside the Harare Magistrate’s Court, where he was flanked by respected lawyers, Dumisani Mthombeni, Jeremiah Bamu, and Paida Saurombe.
Mthombeni said the State had declined to prosecute the journalist.
“The State has decided to decline prosecution in the matter of the State versus DJ Ollah. Notwithstanding the fact that the complainant in this matter, Mudiwa Hood had already deposed to an affidavit withdrawing charges against his friend, DJ Ollah. All is well, that ends well,” he said.
Harare-based entrepreneur and businessman Mudiwa Hood withdrew charges against DJ Ollah 7 and rapper Holy Ten.
Image: Facebook
“At law, Ollah can never be said to have harboured precise intentions to commit the alleged offence. So, legally speaking there is no offence.”
Madondo was arrested on Saturday and charged with cyberbullying and harassment following his hosting of controversial rapper Mukudzei Chitsama, known as Holy Ten.
Controversial Zimbabwean rapper Mukudzei Chitsama, popularly known as Holy Ten (right) made disparaging remarks against charismatic preacher and businessman Uebert Angel (left) and entrepreneur Mudiwa Hood (insert).
Image: X
During the interview, Chitsama made numerous disparaging remarks against several people including entrepreneur and businessman Mudiwa Hood, popular preacher Uebert Angel, and leading comedian Admire Mushambi popularly known as Mama Vee.
Popular Zimbabwean comedian Admire Mushambi, popularly known as Mama Vee.
Image: Facebook
As the backlash heightened after the show, the musician made a video where he apologised, and insisted that he was heavily intoxicated during the interview. The rapper blamed the podcaster for airing the controversial episode despite knowing the fallout it would cause.
In withdrawing the case against Madondo and Chitsama, Mudiwa Hood said he had noted the public apologies made by the Facebook account of Madondo, and the apology also extended by Chitsama.
IOL
