The state said there was no evidence warranting prosecution. Maunganidze was arrested on 23 February 2011 in the southern town of Masvingo on allegations of criminally defaming Matuke. The police questioned and detained Maunganidze for about two hours before releasing him. This followed publication of an article in the weeklys Hot on the Heels column on 18 February 2011 allegedly linking the politician to a sex scandal.
Although the article did not mention any names the police intended then, to charge him with criminal defamation. The state found no evidence to support Matukes claims.