Machakaire Sues Mahere for Defamation Over Tax Eva...

Machakaire Sues Mahere for Defamation Over Tax Evasion Allegations

Zim Now Writer

Tinoda Machakaire, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training, has filed a defamation lawsuit against opposition politician and lawyer Fadzayi Mahere, following allegations she made linking him to an $8 million tax evasion case involving vehicle imports.

The dispute stems from a July 6 social media post in which Mahere, who commands a following of over 844,000 users, publicly questioned Machakaire’s alleged role in the matter. Her statements demanded transparency and suggested the minister should be held accountable over alleged misconduct in public office.

In response, Machakaire’s legal representatives, Prichard Attorneys, issued a legal notice demanding an immediate retraction and apology. They argue that Mahere’s comments are defamatory, misleading and baseless, accusing her of launching a personal attack on the minister’s integrity.

Machakaire's legal complaint outlines accusations that Mahere’s post implied the minister was involved in corrupt dealings. Her statements, the lawsuit says, amount to personal vilification with intent to tarnish his public image. Machakaire contends that Mahere presented her claims without evidence, potentially misleading the public.

Machakaire insists he was not the minister or accounting officer during the period in question and says the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has cleared him of any wrongdoing.

“I remain open to engage with the public for as long as issues are not hysterically raised from the high horse by someone condemned as palpably personally and professionally dishonest.”

The minister is now seeking a public apology and full retraction, arguing that Mahere’s post widely circulated online inflicted reputational harm.