Harare – Sungura musician Gift ‘Case’ Amuli is set to appear at Rotten Row Court following his arrest this week over alleged cyberbullying, a development that has sent ripples across Zimbabwe’s creative sector. The arrest occurred during a Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) workshop at the Zimbabwe Music College, highlighting long-standing tensions over governance, royalties, and transparency within the association.
ZIMURA spokesperson Dereck Mpofu confirmed the detention in an official statement seen by ZiGoats.com, noting:
“However, there is a strong indication that this development is linked to the ongoing internal governance disputes within the ZIMURA board, specifically involving long-serving board member and disputed Vice Chairperson, Mr. First Farai Batani.”
Gift Amuli remains in custody at Avondale Police Station and faces charges of cyberbullying, alongside additional allegations related to the publication of the ZIMURA salary list. First Farai Batani filed the report. He has secured legal representation and is reported to be in high spirits ahead of his court appearance on 20 February 2026.
Governance Disputes at the Heart of the Arrest
The arrest is not merely a criminal matter but is entwined with a broader governance crisis inside ZIMURA. The association, responsible for protecting musicians’ intellectual property rights, has faced criticism from artists over royalty collection, distribution, and staff salaries that many claim far outstrip the earnings of ordinary musicians.
For many artists, especially those in the popular Sungura genre, the dispute is as much about survival as it is about governance. Transparency and fairness within ZIMURA directly impact their livelihoods.
Industry Support and Solidarity
Despite the charges, Amuli has received overwhelming support from the creative community. High-profile musicians including Seh Calaz, Dereck Mpofu, Chief Hwenje, Joseph Garakara, Phillip Chipfumbu, and Fred Finto Nyakudanga have visited him personally, while foreign-based artists like Lazzie T have joined via video calls. The Zimbabwe Musicians Union (ZIMU) has also shown solidarity through representatives Ms. Chioneso Rutsito and Mubu.
Legal and Administrative Implications
The arrest coincides with the reversal of an unauthorised sale of the ZIMURA building, a move widely welcomed by members. The sale had allegedly been executed without board or membership approval, raising conflict-of-interest concerns over the involvement of Alexio “GoodChild” Gwenzi.
ZIMURA continues to call for:
- Immediate board dissolution for a forensic audit
- Financial oversight to freeze questionable transactions
Amuli himself emphasized the importance of due process, stating:
“I remain committed to following the law and cooperating fully with authorities. My focus is on transparency and fairness for all musicians.”
A Watchful Creative Community
As the court date has arrived, the eyes of Zimbabwe’s music industry remain fixed on Rotten Row. For upcoming and established artists alike, the outcome could shape how royalties are managed, governance structures enforced, and public trust restored within ZIMURA.
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