Maid makes false rape report against employer

FOR giving false information to the police accusing her employer of raping her, a Mutare-based house maid has been sentenced to 30 days imprisonment.

Netsai Matereke (27) was however given an option to pay $100 fine after she was convicted of defeating or obstructing the course of justice. She made a false rape report to the police that her employer, Shupai Jenje, had raped her.

Mutare Magistrate Mr Langton Mukwengi presided over the matter. Representing Matereke was Mutare lawyer Mr Tendai Nenzou of Chibaya and Partners Legal Practitioners. Ms Catherine Mwenga prosecuted. It was the State's case that on October 18, Matereke made a police report that Jenje had forcefully had sex with her.

"Jenje was arrested but before he was asked to plead, Matereke withdrew the rape charges. She told the area prosecutor that she had consented to sex with Jenje," said Ms Mwenga. In his defense, Nenzou stated that his client had corrected her mistake by withdrawing the matter before plea.

"Your Worship, the police report was made out of anger because after Jenje had had unprotected sex with my client, he went further to break up with her. "However, she later realised what she had done and withdrew the matter before plea. I now pray that this court fine her and not sent her to prison since she has children to take care of," said Mr Nenzou.