Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafinim
Chillspot Records producer Tafadzwa ‘Ribhe’ Mandaza has pleaded not guilty to charges of raping a 14-year-old girl. Appearing before Harare magistrate Clever Tsikwa, Mandaza denied allegations of spiking the teenager’s drink and assaulting her.
Mandaza asserted that he neither engaged in sexual activity with the minor nor administered any substances to her.
He stated that on the alleged date, he was performing his duties as a DJ at entertainment venue, Mashwede Village in Harare, where the girl and her friends were present.
The prosecution alleges that on October 16, 2024, the victim failed to return home from school. Her father, upon investigation, discovered she had been absent from classes for two consecutive days.
It is claimed that during this period, the girl was in the company of Mandaza and others at the entertainment venue, where she was given an unknown substance and later assaulted.
The girl reportedly regained consciousness at Mandaza’s residence and was found in Highfield after a missing person report was filed.
During a previous bail hearing, it was revealed that the victim provided conflicting statements. Initially, she did not mention any assault; however, in a subsequent statement, she alleged that her drink was spiked and she was assaulted.
This inconsistency led the State to consent to Mandaza’s bail application, which was granted by Justice Regis Dembure.
The trial is set to continue, with the victim’s father scheduled to testify.
