Framed model case: Baby's mom in court

TAFADZWA Mushunje, a model who was falsely accused of infecting her lover's son with HIV, was assaulted by the minor's mother while in police cells, the court heard.

Tracy Hari (31) was immediately arrested and spent the night in cells the same day Mushunje also slept behind bars.

They both appeared before the same magistrate last Thursday.

Mushunje sustained a swollen face.

Hari was charged with assault.

Harare magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo remanded Hari to today for trial.

Mushunje has since had the false charges against her withdrawn after medical tests showed neither she nor the child were HIV positive.

The prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that on February 23, Mushunje was arrested and taken to Glen Norah Police Station.

It is the State's case that the police started questioning her about the offence of "deliberate transmission of HIV".

Mushunje denied the charges.

Hari, who was present during Mushunje's interrogation by the police, is alleged to have slapped the model with the back of her hand on the face.

Mushunje was left with a swollen cheek.

According to the State, Hari of 3099 Mainway Meadows in Waterfalls, had no right to assault Mushunje.