Kereke launches audacious fresh bid for freedom

Jailed former Bikita West legislator, Munyaradzi Kereke, on Wednesday approached the High Court, where he launched a fresh application for bail pending appeal against both his conviction and 10-year prison term for rape.

Kereke, who was convicted of raping a minor relative following a lengthy trial by regional magistrate Noel Mupeiwa in July, argues that his prospects of winning the case on appeal were high.

In the application, Kereke says his release would allow him to fend for his family as there was no guarantee that the appeal would be heard anytime soon, adding the court might reduce his sentence on review.

Kereke said he was ready to deposit $2 000 bail, surrender title deeds of a single immovable property and continue to reside at his Hatfield, Harare, house until finalisation of the appeal.