Court rejects widow’s attempted rape claims

Clotilder Mwanza

A 56-YEAR-OLD widow has lost her bid for a peace order against her neighbour whom she was accusing of attempted rape.

Joyce Ndirihwani also accused her neighbour, Fungai Cheza, of physical and verbal abuse.

She, however, failed to convince magistrate, Rutendo Machingura, with compelling evidence.

Joyce lacked confidence during the court hearing.

“I want my neighbour not to physically and verbally abuse me. 

“He has been asking for sexual favours since last year.

“Last week, he tried to rape me at my house. 

“I reported him to the police then I was advised to apply for a peace order,” said Joyce.

“I am now afraid of him because he might kill me. 

“Last month, he assaulted me at a borehole. I do not love him because he has nothing to offer. “I have a brother in the UK who takes care of me.”

However, Fungai dismissed Joyce’s testimony.

He said he could not have attempted to rape her since they had an affair before.

“We once cohabited for two months after my wife passed away. 

“I later married someone who I am currently staying with.

“Yes, I went to her house asking for sexual intercourse, it’s normal, because we had a relationship before, I did not insult or assault her,” Fungai said.