Holy Ten seeks removal from remand

Hip-hop musician Mukudzei Chitsama, popularly known as Holy Ten, who is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl, has indicated that he will seek to be removed from remand if the State fails to provide a trial date at his next court appearance.

His lawyer, Admire Rubaya, told Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa on Tuesday, October 20, that the defence would apply for refusal of further remand if prosecutors remained unable to set a trial date.

The State, represented by Lawrence Gangarahwe, requested a postponement to November 5 to allow investigations to be completed.

According to the State's outline, the alleged incident occurred at around 3pm on July 20 after the teenager and a friend visited Avondale Shopping Centre, where Chitsama was recording music. The girl was reportedly expected to feature in one of his music videos, and the two waited for him to finish recording before her friend left.

Prosecutors allege that Chitsama then took the teenager to a bed-and-breakfast establishment in Hatfield, where he was staying and working.

The State alleges that he took her into his room, locked the door and threatened to kill her if she did not comply with his demands.

After the alleged incident, Chitsama reportedly asked another man to arrange an InDrive trip for the teenager. She was taken back to Avondale Shopping Centre, where she met the aunt with whom she was staying.

The State further alleges that the teenager initially told her aunt she had been visiting a friend before later disclosing the alleged rape. Her aunt subsequently accompanied her to the police, leading to Chitsama's arrest.

Prosecutors say four other men allegedly linked to the case remain at large.

Chitsama has not been convicted of the charge, and the allegations remain before the courts.