daniel chigunweZvikomborero Parafini
AN explicit video, in the case in which Harare dealer, Munyaradzi Chauraya, is facing indecent assault charges, was played in court yesterday.
Chauraya’s objection against the playing of the explicit video in court was overruled by a Harare magistrate.
The dealer was back in court for continuation of trial. Before the trial resumed, presiding magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka ruled that the video in question had to be played because it had been referred to by two witnesses, who had already testified.
Chauraya is accused of indecently assaulting his two-year-old stepdaughter and recording a video of it.
After the ruling, the child’s mother and Chauraya’s ex-wife took to the witness stand, and narrated how she got to know about the video.
She told the court that Chauraya sent her the video via WhatsApp, sometime in May.
And, when she confronted him, he threatened her with a gun. “When I confronted him about the video, he threatened to kill me with a gun, telling me that I was never supposed to reveal the issue to anyone.
“I told him that I was still going to tell the child’s father, despite his threats, because I was very angry about what he had done to my daughter.”
She told the court that she later sent the video to her sister, who then sent it to the child’s father, who filed a police report. In cross examination, Chauraya’s lawyer attempted to insinuate that she was upset that he had broken up with her and that’s why she didn’t report the incident immediately.
The child’s mother denied that allegation and told the court that she was afraid as he had threatened her with death.
“When I discovered the video, I was really disturbed and knew I needed to take action because I had to protect my child and other girls that I live with at home.
“That’s when I shared it with my sister,” she said.
She also told the court that during the course of their marriage, Chauraya was abusive, hence she didn’t know what action to take because she had experienced his wrath before.
The trial continues on January 5.
Tafara Chirambira prosecuted.
Online Reporter