No retreat, no surrender — First Farai refuses to withdraw case against Gift Amuli

First Farai has refused to withdraw his complaint of cyberbullying triggered by accusations from fellow musician Gift Amuli that he stole money meant for a funeral.

 

He told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that he has been receiving numerous calls from various stakeholders urging him to withdraw the complaint he filed with the police.

 

Amuli was arrested on Tuesday and he is set to appear in court today at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.

 

First Farai expressed his disappointment over Amuli’s decision to attack him on social media and said he was shocked by such behaviour from someone he considered a family friend.

 

“When Gift Amuli started attacking me on social media, I initially thought it was a ghost account because he is someone my family has known very well,” said First Farai.

 

“Amuli was always welcome in my home and we considered him a relative.

 

“My wife and children are in shock as a result of his conduct.

 

“In our spare time, we would drink together and he used to frequent my workplace at Seke-Fly Over for drinks.

 

“We gained popularity at the same time and I considered him a friend.”

 

He added:

 

“The more I sought dialogue, the more Amuli escalated his attacks online, leaving me with no choice but to pursue legal action.

 

“The music ‘elders’ attempted to mediate in the conflict but Amuli remained defiant.

 

“I then decided to give him enough rope to hang himself.

 

“In my life, I have never stolen, and I am ready for either the police or ZACC to investigate me for any wrongdoing.

 

“Those who know me can attest to that and I was shocked when I became the main subject on social media.”

 

First Farai, who is the ZIMURA vice-president, said this would be his final term in office.

 

“This is my 13th year and last term at ZIMURA, I was being encouraged by elders to run but I now expect new brooms and young minds on the board.

 

“I don’t want the spirits of departed legends like Dembo, Tuku and Matavire to haunt me as a thief and that is why I am clean.”

 

He added:

 

“A lot of people thought I would change my mind at the last minute, but I am just waiting for the court proceedings to take place since I have had enough of him.

 

“I know the moral aspect of it and the need to forgive but, in my case, I tried, but Amuli was arrogant.”

 

On several occasions, Amuli questioned First Farai’s integrity and accused him of allegedly stealing condolence money meant for the late Cephas “Motomuzhinji” Mashakada in 2011.

 

The allegations were first raised by Hosiah Chipanga.

 

The internal conflicts within ZIMURA have been going on for some time and escalated following the sale of two of the association’s flats in Harare.

 

This led to divisions within the association, resulting in three board members — Joseph Gararakara, Amuli, and Derreck Mpofu — being fired. *_-H-Metro_*