Popular comedienne and socialite Felistas Murata, widely known as Mai TT has found herself in hot legal water after being slapped with a US$100,000 defamation lawsuit by Harare businesswoman Shingai Ziwange-Jere.
The lawsuit, filed at the High Court, stems from a controversial Facebook post made by Mai TT on her official page, Mai T’s Diaries, in which she allegedly accused Ziwange-Jere of making death threats and manipulating Zimbabwe’s judicial system for personal gain.
Ziwange-Jere, who is the wife of Farai Jere, a prominent businessman, Murehwa West Member of Parliament, and owner of CAPS United Football Club, claims the accusations are not only false but were made with malicious intent to damage her public and professional image.
Ziwange-Jere is being represented by Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners, who lodged the lawsuit citing defamation of character. The legal documents assert that the statements published by Mai TT were “fabricated, grossly malicious, and deliberately defamatory,” leaving Ziwange-Jere exposed to public ridicule and social ostracism.
“The defendant, without justification or verification, falsely accused our client of issuing death threats and using her influence to manipulate legal proceedings. These claims are not only defamatory but also incredibly dangerous in the public domain,” reads part of the legal submission.
The lawyers argue that the social media post was carefully crafted to stir public outrage against Ziwange-Jere and to portray her as a vindictive, manipulative individual with unchecked power.
Mai TT Faces US$100,000 Defamation Lawsuit Over Explosive Allegations
The now-controversial Facebook post, which has since been widely circulated and discussed, reportedly alleged that Ziwange-Jere was actively working behind the scenes to derail Mai TT’s legal battles. In the post, Mai TT accused Ziwange-Jere of threatening to “finish her off” and influencing prosecutors and judicial officers to ensure Mai TT faced harsh treatment before the courts.
Though the exact wording of the post is not included in court documents, the businesswoman’s legal team states that the allegations caused “severe emotional distress and reputational damage,” particularly because of Ziwange-Jere’s high-profile social standing and her connection to national figures.
In the filed court papers, Ziwange-Jere is demanding US$100,000 in damages to compensate for the harm done to her name, reputation, and business interests. She is also requesting:
-
A full and public retraction of the defamatory statements,
-
An unreserved public apology published on all of Mai TT’s social media platforms,
-
And the removal of all defamatory content associated with her name.
Her lawyers argue that anything short of these remedies would leave their client exposed to continued online harassment and professional fallout.
As of Sunday, Mai TT had not issued an official response to the lawsuit. Attempts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful, and her legal representatives have not yet filed opposing papers in the matter.
The comedienne, known for her candid and often controversial posts online, has courted legal troubles before. She previously served jail time over fraud-related charges and remains a divisive figure in Zimbabwe’s public life.
Legal analysts say the case highlights a growing trend in Zimbabwe, where defamation suits involving high-profile personalities are increasingly being pursued through formal legal channels. With social media being a powerful but volatile platform, courts are being called upon more frequently to intervene when reputations are harmed through unverified and inflammatory content.
“This is a classic case of digital defamation. If proven, the damage to the plaintiff’s reputation could be far-reaching, particularly given her connection to public and political figures,” said legal commentator Tendai Nkomo.
The lawsuit could prove to be a landmark test of accountability for influencers and celebrities in Zimbabwe who wield enormous social media power. For Mai TT, the outcome may have lasting implications—not just for her public image but also for how freely she continues to express herself online.
As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the High Court to determine whether Mai TT’s post was an exercise of free speech or a reckless act of reputational harm. Either way, the drama between the two women has already captivated public attention and stirred fresh conversations about online responsibility, freedom of expression, and the power of influence in Zimbabwe’s digital age.
