Old Mutual manager raped UZ student intern

A business development manager at Old Mutual, Musa Nyasha Dube Manyika, has been convicted of raping a student from the University of Zimbabwe who was undertaking an internship at the financial services firm.

Manyika was convicted on two counts of rape on Thursday following a full trial before Harare regional magistrate Estere Chivasa. He is expected to return to court today for a pre-sentencing hearing.

The court heard that the complainant was a University of Zimbabwe student who was also a beneficiary of an Old Mutual scholarship when the offences occurred.

Prosecutor Chido Gohori told the court that in November 2022, Manyika sent the complainant a WhatsApp message asking her to assist him in packing promotional banners at Old Mutual Gardens.

He then collected the student from the University of Zimbabwe campus and drove with her to Old Mutual Gardens. Upon arrival, Manyika allegedly took her to his office where he raped her.

After the incident, the court heard that Manyika apologised and gave the complainant a branded T-shirt, a juice bottle and a cap. He also allegedly threatened her, warning that he would withdraw her scholarship if she disclosed the matter to anyone.

The court further heard that on June 19, 2024, Manyika contacted the complainant again after work, saying he wanted to discuss her career.

They met at Ashbrittle Shops before Manyika offered to drive her home. However, instead of stopping at her residence, he drove into Belfast Road where he stopped the vehicle.

Prosecutors said Manyika adjusted the passenger seat where the complainant was seated before raping her again inside the car.

After the incident, he drove the complainant to her home and again asked for forgiveness.

In her ruling, Magistrate Chivasa found that the State had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to Manyika's conviction on both counts. He now awaits sentencing.