Socialite Malloti Appears in Harare Court on Controversial Charges

Millicent Chimonyo, popularly known as Malloti, 26, appeared in court on Thursday before Harare Magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzayi. She was granted US$100 bail and instructed to report to the police every two weeks until her case is finalised. The court also ordered her to continue residing at her registered address and refrain from interfering with state witnesses.

The charges stem from a video recorded by Malloti on May 14, in which she allegedly used offensive language targeting ruling party-aligned prophet Passion Java. The State claims the remarks violated the law, particularly regarding Java’s involvement in the Zimdancehall music scene.

Malloti has been at the center of public controversy in recent years. In 2023, she was arrested after leaving Star FM studios for allegedly stealing men’s clothing and sneakers from a Harare store, including 56 jeans, 49 T-shirts, 22 jogger pants, 35 pairs of sneakers, and 20 summer shirts.

Further complicating her legal situation, Malloti has been on the South African Police Services (SAPS) wanted list since 2017. Records indicate that a warrant of arrest for one Namatai Bhobho was issued on January 19, 2018, at Wynberg Magistrate Court in South Africa, charging her with armed robbery.

The socialite’s ongoing legal battles continue to draw public attention, with her online statements and past arrests highlighting a pattern of controversy. The current case against Malloti underscores the scrutiny faced by public figures who engage in politically sensitive commentary.