News / National
2 men denied bail in socialite's rape case
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Two men accused of raping a 26-year-old socialite in Harare were denied bail on Monday by regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, who cited the seriousness of the offence and the risk of flight as key reasons for her decision.
The suspects, Thabo Blessing Dube (27) and Martin Charlie (25), appeared in court facing charges of sexual assault following an incident that allegedly occurred on April 30 in Eastlea, Harare.
According to State prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, the complainant received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number inviting her to meet the two men. Upon arriving at a residence in Eastlea, she was allegedly lured into a room where she was assaulted and raped by both suspects.
The court heard harrowing accounts of the alleged ordeal, with the prosecution stating that Dube and Charlie locked the woman in a room and issued threats to ensure her silence. Medical examinations were conducted following the incident, and the results are expected to be presented as part of the prosecution's evidence.
Witnesses have also reportedly identified the two men, further strengthening the State's case.
In a bail application submitted by defence lawyer Shepard Makonde, the accused pleaded for release pending trial. However, magistrate Gofa refused the application, stressing the gravity of the allegations.
"I am doubting the State's consent because the case is serious," Gofa said. She also noted that both men have prior convictions and other pending cases, raising concerns about their likelihood to abscond if granted bail.
The accused will remain in custody, with the matter scheduled to continue tomorrow.
The case has sparked outrage on social media, where many users are calling for justice and stronger protection mechanisms for survivors of sexual violence.
The suspects, Thabo Blessing Dube (27) and Martin Charlie (25), appeared in court facing charges of sexual assault following an incident that allegedly occurred on April 30 in Eastlea, Harare.
According to State prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, the complainant received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number inviting her to meet the two men. Upon arriving at a residence in Eastlea, she was allegedly lured into a room where she was assaulted and raped by both suspects.
The court heard harrowing accounts of the alleged ordeal, with the prosecution stating that Dube and Charlie locked the woman in a room and issued threats to ensure her silence. Medical examinations were conducted following the incident, and the results are expected to be presented as part of the prosecution's evidence.
In a bail application submitted by defence lawyer Shepard Makonde, the accused pleaded for release pending trial. However, magistrate Gofa refused the application, stressing the gravity of the allegations.
"I am doubting the State's consent because the case is serious," Gofa said. She also noted that both men have prior convictions and other pending cases, raising concerns about their likelihood to abscond if granted bail.
The accused will remain in custody, with the matter scheduled to continue tomorrow.
The case has sparked outrage on social media, where many users are calling for justice and stronger protection mechanisms for survivors of sexual violence.
Source - newsday
