Legal Minds Clash in Sexual Harassment Allegations

Zim Now Writer

Legal practitioner, Mr. Joshua Chirambwe, has categorically denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Ms. Fadzayi Mahere, a fellow lawyer. Mr. Chirambwe asserts that he is contentedly married and has no interest in engaging in any form of romantic or personal relationship with Ms. Mahere.

Ms. Mahere recently filed a formal complaint with the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ), alleging that Mr. Chirambwe had sent inappropriate messages in a WhatsApp group titled Zim Advocates. These messages, which Ms. Mahere characterized as “lustful,” were said to convey an inappropriate admiration for an unnamed woman within the group.

Among the messages in question, one reportedly read:

"You see, there is this woman I adore beyond words—let’s say I am rather fond of Fadzi."

Another message allegedly stated:

"There is another lady in this group, whose elegance could give royalty a run for their money. Her character? Sweet enough to make sugar, but how can I approach them?"

In response to Ms. Mahere’s complaint, Mr. Chirambwe issued a formal, strongly worded four-page reply in which he rejected the allegations as unfounded and without merit. He questioned why Ms. Mahere did not address the matter with him directly before escalating it to the Law Society of Zimbabwe.

Mr. Chirambwe emphasized that, due to their shared work environment, including their use of the same building, parking lot, and elevator, Ms. Mahere had ample opportunity to raise any concerns with him in person, rather than seeking to resolve the issue through formal legal channels.

In his statement, Mr. Chirambwe declared:

"I am happily married to my esteemed wife, Mukudzei, a woman of exceptional qualities. She is not only a distinguished legal practitioner but also a devoted mother to our two children, Beyonce and Chloe. In light of this, I find no reason to seek companionship outside of my marriage."

Citing William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Mr. Chirambwe reiterated his firm commitment to his spouse and categorically denied having made any reference to Ms. Mahere in the WhatsApp group. He added:

"Before responding to a ghost story, one must first ascertain whether the ghost exists. I cannot be expected to explain a dream I never had."

Mr. Chirambwe further contended that, even if the messages in question had conveyed admiration, they would not, in his view, constitute sexual harassment. He asserted that any expressed romantic interest would have been entirely within the discretion of Ms. Mahere to either accept or decline.

Ms. Mahere, a prominent lawyer and former Member of Parliament for the Mt. Pleasant constituency, has previously served as the spokesperson for the opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). She has also spoken on various international platforms regarding the political situation in Zimbabwe. Ms. Mahere resigned from her parliamentary seat following a dispute within the CCC, particularly after the party’s leadership was overtaken by Mr. Sengezo Tshabangu, who claimed the position of Secretary-General.

In closing, Mr. Chirambwe, who refers to himself as the “Prophet Advocate,” expressed confidence in his actions and integrity. He affirmed that had he intended to pursue any interest in Ms. Mahere, he would have done so directly, without resorting to indirect means.