Rape accused hip hop star Holy Ten released on $500 bail

Zimbabwean hip-hop artist Holy Ten has been granted US$500 bail after appearing before Harare magistrate Jesse Kufa on allegations of raping a 14-year-old girl.

The 27-year-old musician, whose real name is Mukudzei Modecay Chitsama, appeared in court on Tuesday represented by lawyer Admire Rubaya.

The National Prosecuting Authority did not oppose bail, with prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe telling the court that investigations were still ongoing.

"We are waiting for a forensic examination report and documents that prove the age of the complainant. The State is not opposed to the release of the accused on bail," Gangarahwe told the court.

Magistrate Kufa granted Holy Ten bail on condition that he surrenders his passport, remains at his declared residential address, does not interfere with State witnesses, and reports every Friday at a designated police station.

The matter was remanded to August 7 for further proceedings as investigations continue.

Holy Ten was arrested earlier on Tuesday.

The rapper recently completed a rehabilitation programme for drug and alcohol addiction at a facility in Rustenburg, South Africa. The programme was reportedly funded by Collins Mnangagwa, son of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

One of Zimbabwe's most prominent and often controversial musicians, Holy Ten has in recent years been involved in several high-profile public disputes involving preacher Uebert Angel and Collins Mnangagwa, among others.

The allegations against the musician remain before the courts, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in accordance with the law.