Woman in court for setting up teen for rape

Michael Mashiri

A Beatrice woman who allegedly facilitated the rape of her teenage girl in her house is now facing the same charges with her accomplice.

Emily Muhota and 34 Tapiwa Chesango, 37, of Beatrice and appeared before High Court judge, Justice Munamato Mutevedzi, accused of rape contravening Section 65(1)(a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9:23.

The complainant is the state on behalf of a female juvenile aged 16.

The court heard that on December 11, 2022, at in Beatrice, Muhota called the complainant and took her to her house and left her alone after instructing the teen to comply with whatever would be demanded by a person who was coming.

Muhota did not disclose the name of the person.

Chisango arrived shortly after and sat beside the complainant on the same sofa. Chisango told the minor that she was now his wife as Muhota had told him that she had accepted his love proposal.

When he caressed the teen she stopped him. He communicated with someone on his phone then stood up and got into Muhota's bedroom.

The complainant tried to open external door but found it locked, presumably by Muhota, from the outside.

Chisango dragged the complainant into Muhota's bedroom and pushed her on the bed where he raped her once without protection.

After the rape, Muhota unlocked the outer door and Chisango left the house.

The complainant did not tell anyone about the matter on that day as there was no one at home. She reported to one Egifa Chembe the following day, who then informed teen's mother.

The teen's mother sent her to an aunt in Karoi where the police report was made.

She was medically examined at Karoi District Hospital.

The presiding magistrate granted the two accused bail of ZWL$30 000 each and remanded them to February 3, 2023.