Lawyer Fadzayi Mahere has filed a formal complaint with the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) against fellow lawyer and self-styled prophet, Joshua Chirambwe after he reportedly made inappropriate comments about her in a WhatsApp group.

In one of the messages, which has since gone viral, Chirambwe allegedly wrote, “There is this woman I adore beyond words – let’s say I’m rather fond of Fadzi.” He said:

And 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 her letter to LSZ Executive Secretary Norman Mapara, Mahere argued that Chirambwe’s actions constitute sexual harassment and emphasized that this behaviour has been ongoing for an extended period. Wrote Mahere:

Previous messages of this nature caused me to exit the group. I have attached copies of the said messages to this complaint for your attention. They are published under the moniker “Young Money.”

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It is my humble view that such sexual harassment has no place in the legal profession.

I therefore lodge this complaint in terms of, inter alia, clause 3(23) of Sl 37 of 2018 and request that disciplinary action be taken against this legal practitioner.

Mapara has since sent a letter to Chirambwe, requesting a response to the allegations within 14 days. He said Chirambwe’s actions may constitute a violation of the By-Laws of their profession. Wrote Mapara:

These allegations point to a possible contravention of By Laws 3 (23) of the Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) By – Laws, 2018 SI 37 of 2018 and part 6.2.1 of the Law Society of Zimbabwe Sexual Harassment Policy, 2024.- failing or neglecting to treat professional colleagues with courtesy, respect and fairness; unwanted or unwelcome sexual attention of an offensive nature made by a person who knows, or reasonably should know, that the attention is unwanted or unwelcome and the person to whom it is made may conclude that the conduct was intended to offend, humiliate, disrespect or degrade him or her.

In terms of the Law Society By-Laws, I am required to inform you of the present complaint, and to require you to reply to the allegations within fourteen (14) days.