News / National
Zanu-PF rape MP has case to answer: Court
05 Jul 2011 at 04:41hrs | Views
MAGUNJE legislator Franco Ndambakuwa (Zanu-PF) was yesterday brought to court for his initial remand on a charge of rape.
He was not formally charged when he appeared before Chinhoyi regional magistrate Mr Solomon Jenya who remanded him in custody to July 18.
The State had opposed bail arguing that he was a prominent figure in the Magunje area where the complainant lives.
"The accused is an MP in the area and releasing him on bail will jeopardise investigations as the police managed to establish that people were afraid to come forward with their complaints against him," said prosecutor Mr Herald Matura.
Mr Matura also argued that the legislator was facing a serious offence, which could attract the maximum life sentence if convicted.
Ndambakuwa who was represented by Mr Walter Bherebhende of Bherebhende Law Chambers was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Allegations against Ndambakuwa are that on December 5, 2010 at Chitsime Shop, Mudzimu Business Centre in Hurungwe he lured a 15-year-old girl into his shop pretending that he wanted to give her bus fare.
He enticed her into one of the rooms to collect the money before he grabbed her by the hand and tripped her to the floor.
The MP allegedly pinned her down with his legs before putting on a condom and raping her once.
His lawyer Mr Bherebhende complained to the court that his client was arrested on Friday but was never informed of the allegations he was facing.
"We do not object to the accused being placed on remand as we have been advised by the State to apply for bail at the High Court but my client was only told of the offence the following day at Chinhoyi," he said.
Mr Matura said the State would only address the court on the next remand date after getting a detailed report from the police.
Ndambakuwa who was dressed in a pink shirt, red tie and a navy blue suit appeared composed as he conversed with his lawyer, wife, relatives and some people believed to be from his constituency.
He was not formally charged when he appeared before Chinhoyi regional magistrate Mr Solomon Jenya who remanded him in custody to July 18.
The State had opposed bail arguing that he was a prominent figure in the Magunje area where the complainant lives.
"The accused is an MP in the area and releasing him on bail will jeopardise investigations as the police managed to establish that people were afraid to come forward with their complaints against him," said prosecutor Mr Herald Matura.
Mr Matura also argued that the legislator was facing a serious offence, which could attract the maximum life sentence if convicted.
Ndambakuwa who was represented by Mr Walter Bherebhende of Bherebhende Law Chambers was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Allegations against Ndambakuwa are that on December 5, 2010 at Chitsime Shop, Mudzimu Business Centre in Hurungwe he lured a 15-year-old girl into his shop pretending that he wanted to give her bus fare.
He enticed her into one of the rooms to collect the money before he grabbed her by the hand and tripped her to the floor.
The MP allegedly pinned her down with his legs before putting on a condom and raping her once.
His lawyer Mr Bherebhende complained to the court that his client was arrested on Friday but was never informed of the allegations he was facing.
"We do not object to the accused being placed on remand as we have been advised by the State to apply for bail at the High Court but my client was only told of the offence the following day at Chinhoyi," he said.
Mr Matura said the State would only address the court on the next remand date after getting a detailed report from the police.
Ndambakuwa who was dressed in a pink shirt, red tie and a navy blue suit appeared composed as he conversed with his lawyer, wife, relatives and some people believed to be from his constituency.
Source - th
