News / National
Warrant issued for alleged rape victim after court absence
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Eve Rumbidzai Dota Makoni (36), who accused Bright Nyanhete (26) of raping her during their first meeting, has defaulted court proceedings. A warrant for her arrest has been issued after she failed to appear before the regional magistrate, Marewanazvo Gofa, this morning.
Makoni had been warned yesterday to be present at 9 a.m. today to testify. However, she did not show up, leading to a delay in proceedings until 10:30 a.m. Her failure to testify yesterday was attributed to a migraine, for which she requested a postponement.
The case has garnered public attention due to the serious nature of the allegations. Makoni alleges that Nyanhete, a Zimbabwean man based in Australia, spiked her drink and raped her during their first in-person meeting.
According to the State's case, the pair were introduced by Makoni's sister, who is also based in Australia. Nyanhete had expressed a desire to marry a Zimbabwean woman, leading to the relationship's development.
Nyanhete traveled to Zimbabwe in November to meet Makoni. On November 13, during a visit to her house, the two reportedly shared drinks and engaged in kissing and touching. However, Makoni stated she was not ready to engage in sexual activity due to concerns about Nyanhete's HIV status.
The State alleges that after Makoni went to the bathroom, Nyanhete handed her a drink suspected to have been laced with a substance. The complainant claims this impaired her ability to resist as Nyanhete raped her twice, once while holding her neck.
Nyanhete, who has been released on free bail, denies the charges, claiming they are a fabrication. He alleges Makoni became upset upon learning he was set to marry another woman later this month.
The case has seen dramatic turns, with Makoni's failure to appear adding to the complexity. Her absence today could have legal repercussions, including the potential weakening of her allegations against Nyanhete.
Nyanhete's bail conditions remain unchanged as the court navigates the procedural delays caused by the complainant's absence. The case is expected to resume once the matter of Makoni's non-appearance is addressed.
This unfolding situation continues to raise questions about the handling of sensitive legal cases, particularly those involving gender-based violence.
Makoni had been warned yesterday to be present at 9 a.m. today to testify. However, she did not show up, leading to a delay in proceedings until 10:30 a.m. Her failure to testify yesterday was attributed to a migraine, for which she requested a postponement.
The case has garnered public attention due to the serious nature of the allegations. Makoni alleges that Nyanhete, a Zimbabwean man based in Australia, spiked her drink and raped her during their first in-person meeting.
According to the State's case, the pair were introduced by Makoni's sister, who is also based in Australia. Nyanhete had expressed a desire to marry a Zimbabwean woman, leading to the relationship's development.
Nyanhete traveled to Zimbabwe in November to meet Makoni. On November 13, during a visit to her house, the two reportedly shared drinks and engaged in kissing and touching. However, Makoni stated she was not ready to engage in sexual activity due to concerns about Nyanhete's HIV status.
Nyanhete, who has been released on free bail, denies the charges, claiming they are a fabrication. He alleges Makoni became upset upon learning he was set to marry another woman later this month.
The case has seen dramatic turns, with Makoni's failure to appear adding to the complexity. Her absence today could have legal repercussions, including the potential weakening of her allegations against Nyanhete.
Nyanhete's bail conditions remain unchanged as the court navigates the procedural delays caused by the complainant's absence. The case is expected to resume once the matter of Makoni's non-appearance is addressed.
This unfolding situation continues to raise questions about the handling of sensitive legal cases, particularly those involving gender-based violence.
Source - hmetro
