By 
Renowned Zambian artiste, Elton Mulenga, popularly known as Yo Maps, appeared before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court to testify in a case involving alleged online threats made by Facebook blogger, Elias Musyani.
Yo Maps, visibly emotional during his testimony, described the toll the threats had taken on his family, stating he would “react badly” if any man seductively touched his wife, Kidist Kifle.
The case stems from allegations that Musyani posted threats of rape and abduction targeting Kidist and the couple’s three-year-old daughter.
These acts reportedly violate Zambia’s Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021. Musyani has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Yo Maps revealed he was forced to withdraw his daughter from school following the alleged online threats.
He also recounted how Musyani referred to his daughter as “gumu gumu” (monitor lizard), a term the singer described as dehumanizing and deeply offensive.
The artiste testified before Magistrate Mutinta Mwenya, outlining Musyani’s series of derogatory social media posts.
Among them were accusations that Kidist was an “evil stepmother” and insults about her appearance, including being labeled as having a “long face.”
According to Yo Maps, these posts caused significant stress and strained his family life.
Screenshots of the alleged posts were submitted to the court as evidence.
During cross-examination, the defense questioned Yo Maps about allegations that Musyani had a prior relationship with Kidist.
The singer dismissed the claims as “a joke.”
The defense also referred to a viral video showing Kidist at a social event with male companions.
Yo Maps confirmed the video’s existence but insisted it was irrelevant to the case.
He added, “Yes, she drinks, and I drink too,” emphasizing that her lifestyle choices did not justify the harassment his family faced.
The defense further challenged the reliability of the evidence provided, questioning why specific Facebook posts and the viral video were not presented in court.
Read More: Cyberbullying: Zambian music star, Yo Maps, details harassment targeting wife, daughter
They also suggested that Musyani’s Facebook account could have been hacked, a claim Yo Maps dismissed.
When asked if the online threats impacted his career, Yo Maps admitted to emotional distress but clarified that his professional engagements remained unaffected.
“I was stressed; I can’t lie,” he said, adding that his primary concern was the safety of his family.
The trial has been adjourned to February 12, 2025, with three additional witnesses expected to testify.
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