Social media influencer Esther Ida Chabuka was unsuccessful in swaying the Lilongwe High Court to rule in her favor, as the court dismissed her case on the grounds that it was based on speculation rather than concrete evidence.
The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court on Friday acquitted Shannon Smith McWilliams of offensive communication charges after finding the State’s evidence insufficient.
Presiding magistrate Bracious Blessusall Chanda Kondowe threw out the case at the close of the prosecution’s case, saying no prima facie case had been established.
The matter stemmed from Facebook posts allegedly published between October and December 2025, which Chabuka said accused her of owing money, insulted her and threatened to expose private information.
She told the court the posts damaged her reputation, disrupted her business and affected her family, presenting screenshots as evidence.
However, the court found that the prosecution failed to prove when the posts were made and did not link McWilliams to the Facebook account in question.
The magistrate also criticised investigative lapses, including a warrantless phone search and lack of forensic evidence, maintaining the case relied on suspicion rather than concrete proof.
