Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-04-04 00:02:53
In a recent judicial proceeding, Tanaka Ryan Ziso, a 24-year-old student at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), found himself under legal scrutiny for allegedly posting a controversial statement on social media that targeted the Ndebele ethnic group. Ziso, who is in his final year of studies in civil and water engineering and resides at the Old Mutual students’ accommodation complex in Selbourne Park, faced Bulawayo magistrate Mr. Maxwell Ncube on Tuesday. The charges against him revolve around the accusation of making offensive remarks towards individuals of a specific race.
The court set Ziso’s bail at US$50, and he was subsequently released. His legal defense is being handled by Mr. Tinashe Tashaya from Sengweni Legal Service. Ziso has been remanded out of custody as the legal proceedings continue through summons, indicating that he will not be held in jail but must appear in court as required.
The allegations against Ziso stem from a post he is said to have made on his social media page, known as his X-page, under the username “The Royal Priest of Chitungwiza @iamryantanaka” on March 13 at around 8:11 PM. In this post, Ziso is accused of sharing derogatory views about the Ndebele people. The situation escalated the following day around 2 PM when he allegedly posted another statement that further fueled tensions.
Prosecutor Ms. Dorcas Maphosa highlighted that printed versions of Ziso’s social media posts are available as evidence in court. She emphasized that Ziso’s actions, deemed to be offensive towards individuals based on their race, tribe, and place of origin, were unjustified and legally indefensible. This case brings to light issues of freedom of expression and the legal boundaries surrounding such freedom, particularly concerning hate speech and its impact on societal harmony and individual dignity as reported by State Media.
A tweet from an individual questioning the role of Thabani Mpofu, the director of marketing & comms at Nust, as the complainant in the case, suggested that there may be differing perspectives on the matter. The tweet indicated that the content of Ziso’s post might be perceived as banter rather than a criminal offense, calling into question the nature of the charges brought against him.
As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how Ziso’s case will progress and what implications it may have for freedom of expression and the boundaries of online speech. The court proceedings will continue, shedding light on the complexities of navigating social media and the legal repercussions of inflammatory content.
Overall, the case of Tanaka Ryan Ziso serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible communication and the need to consider the impact of words and statements, especially in the digital age where online posts can reach a wide audience instantaneously. It underscores the ongoing debate surrounding freedom of expression, hate speech, and the delicate balance between individual rights and societal well-being.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
