Ex-Dembare Star Faces Legal Fire After Defaming Walter Musanhu

Former Dynamos captain Murape Murape has found himself in serious legal trouble after being instructed to publicly retract statements he allegedly made against ex-Zimbabwe youth international and Jadel Football Academy director, Walter “Ringers” Musanhu.

Murape has been served with a legal notice from James Majatame Attorneys, acting on behalf of Musanhu, demanding an immediate withdrawal and public apology for what are described as “false and defamatory” remarks.

According to the letter of demand, the former midfielder is accused of making defamatory claims on a WhatsApp group called Former Footballers, which had about 277 members at the time. In the messages, Murape allegedly accused Musanhu of having an incestuous relationship with his sister, referred to him as “mainini,” and further claimed that Musanhu had never played for Dynamos, the Young Warriors, or Motor Action.

The legal representatives said the comments were “false, malicious, and wholly unsubstantiated,” and that they were intended to damage Musanhu’s reputation.

The letter further outlined that Murape’s actions amounted to cyberbullying and harassment under Section 164B of the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07].

As part of the demands, Murape is required to:

Retract the statements in the same WhatsApp group,

Publish a written apology and retraction in The Herald and The Sunday Mail for four consecutive weeks within five days, and

Cease all direct communication with Musanhu.

Failure to comply, the lawyers warned, would result in civil and criminal proceedings, including claims for damages and possible prosecution.

Musanhu, a respected football academy director and former professional player, runs the China-based Jadel Football Academy and several youth development projects in Zimbabwe. He is also leading the Jadel FA 2034 World Cup Project, which uses sport to steer young people away from drug and substance abuse.

Murape, who is currently involved in football development with Heritage School in partnership with Spanish side Real Oviedo, has been given a five-day deadline to comply.

The former midfielder has previously faced disciplinary and legal troubles, including assault and child maintenance cases during his playing career. He was also dismissed from his backroom role at Dynamos following allegations of misconduct.

When contacted for comment, Musanhu declined to discuss the matter, saying it was now being handled by his lawyers.