Zanu-PF official rapes supporter

A Zanu-PF Mbare branch chairman has appeared in court for allegedly raping a party supporter in a classroom during a meeting in the area last year.

Joshua Nkomo branch chairman Modern Numel Chirwa (65) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Hosiah Mujaya facing two counts of rape.

Mr Mujaya remanded Chirwa to February 9 for trial on US$60 bail.

Chirwa was ordered to reside at his given address, not to interfere with witnesses and report to Matapi Police Station every Monday.

It is the State's case that sometime in January last year at around 7pm the victim attended a party meeting at Gwinyai Primary School in Mbare chaired by Chirwa.

Prosecutor Ms Valerie Ngoma told the court that the meeting lasted for about an hour and half. After the meeting, Chirwa allegedly nominated the victim and two other women to remain behind at the school.

Chirwa allegedly took the victim into another classroom and started fondling her breast. When she objected, Chirwa allegedly threatened her using his political position.

The political leader allegedly threatened to have her evicted from her house if she resisted his advances.

Chirwa allegedly had anal sex with the victim. The victim was dismissed at around 9pm and she reported the matter to a colleague and the made a police report.

Chirwa was represented by Ms Dambudzo Machaya of Chara and Associates.