Sodomy councillor appears in court

MDC-T councillor for Budiriro, Oddrey Sydney Chirombe, appeared in court last Friday charged with indecent for allegedly fondling a male roommate during a workshop in Kariba.

Chirombe (49), the councillor for ward 33, was remanded out of custody on a $50 bail

His trial begins on March 6.

Prosecutor Ms Barbara Mabika alleges that on February 21 this year, Chirombe woke up in the middle of the night when a Nyaradzo Funeral Services bus driver Mr Richard Nyakabau, whom he had offered a room, was sleeping and started fondling him.

The court heard that the incident happened aboard a houseboat at Andora Harbour, where Chirombe and other councillors were allocated rooms.

Nyakabau did not get a room and at around 22:30 he was allegedly approached by Chirombe while sitting outside the bus.

Chirombe offered to share his room with Nyakabau since it had two beds.

The driver accepted his offer and they slept without incident on the first day.

On the second day, it is alleged, Nyakabau retired to bed early while Chirombe went out for a drink.

He returned around 23:00 and tried to start a conversation with Nyakabau but was rebuffed as the bus driver wanted to rest.

It is alleged Chirombe temporarily went to his bed but at around 02:00 he sneaked into Nyakabau's blankets and started fondling him.

He removed his shorts and underwear, it is alleged.

Nyakabau awoke and pushed Chirombe away while screaming for help.

Other councillors heard the noise and reportedly gathered outside the room enquiring what had gone wrong.

Nyakabau told Harare mayor Mr Benard Manyenyeni about the incident leading to Chirombe's arrest.