By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
High Court advocate and outspoken political activist, Fadzayi Mahere has publicly responded after Youth Empowerment Minister Tinoda Machakaire threatened legal action over a social media post. Machakaire’s lawyers are demanding a full public apology and retraction, accusing Mahere of making “defamatory” remarks on X (formerly Twitter).
The controversy erupted on July 6, when Mahere posted a thread questioning Machakaire’s alleged involvement in an US$8 million tax evasion scandal linked to vehicle imports. While framed as inquiries, Machakaire’s legal team contends that her posts implied corruption and abuse of power.
In a strongly worded letter dated July 7, Prichard Attorneys criticized Mahere for “smearing” the minister’s name under the guise of questioning.
They argued her social media statements were innuendofalse, malicious, and suggested guilt without any court ruling to substantiate such claims. The lawyers also accused her of using “quasi-,” a legal term indicating hints of guilt without explicit allegations, and pointed out that she should have utilized legal channels to access information.
The letter demanded Mahere issue a 24-hour apology, published both in print and online, retract her statements, and explicitly withdraw any allegations against Machakaire. They provided a prepared retraction statement, which included admitting to falsely portraying the minister as dishonest, a liar, and an abuser of public funds.
The lawyers emphasized,
“You shall issue a sincere, profuse, and unconditional public apology to our client, acknowledging the harm caused by your nefarious allegations. The apology must be both in print and digital media. You shall cause the apology to be published in one of the most circulating newspapers and post the same apology on your X handle @advocatemahere.”
Furthermore, they demanded she retract her original posts with a statement reading, “I do hereby retract unconditionally, the posts that I made regarding Honorable Machakaire wherein I tainted him to be corrupt, liar, dishonest and that he uses public funds to acquire luxury vehicles.”
However, Mahere did not comply quietly. Later that day, she responded publicly via her X account, dismissing the legal threats and exposing a fundamental flaw in their case.
In her reply, Mahere pointed out that the law cited by Machakaire’s lawyers the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) — was repealed five years ago. She wrote:
“Good morning, Honourable Minister, 1. Are you not aware that the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act was repealed five years ago? 2. Were you not a Member of Parliament when this law was removed from our statute books? We need new leaders.”
Mahere’s sharp retort not only challenges the validity of the legal threats but also underscores concerns about outdated laws being used to intimidate critics. Her stance has garnered support on social media, with many praising her for standing up to what they see as overreach and calling for renewed leadership.