Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
A machine operator based in Harare, Paul Mwembe, appeared before Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa on Wednesday, facing two counts of rape.
The charges involve a former lover and workmate, with whom he was allegedly in a relationship.
Mwembe was not asked to plead during the initial hearing and was remanded in custody.
Both the accused and the complainant are employed at Kreckle Foods in Workington. According to the State’s outline, an office romance between the two began in December of last year.
The prosecution alleges that on December 1, the complainant was with Mwembe at Rugare Shops.
Mwembe reportedly requested that she accompany him to his home, a suggestion she refused. After failing to persuade her, Mwembe left and went home alone.
Later that night, around 2200 hours, the complainant contacted a friend of Mwembe’s who lived with him and was told Mwembe was not at home. Concerned for his safety, the complainant went out to look for him.
She allegedly found Mwembe and took him back to her place of residence. Once there, she instructed him to sleep on the floor while she took the bed. Mwembe is said to have assured her that nothing would happen if they shared the bed. However, around midnight, he allegedly woke up, overpowered her, and raped her.
The State told the court that the complainant was a virgin at the time of this alleged assault.
A second charge relates to an incident on January 3. The State alleges that Mwembe went to the complainant’s residence to see her. An argument ensued, after which Mwembe began to cry and slept on the bed. The complainant later joined him on the same bed, whereupon Mwembe allegedly woke up and raped her again.
The court heard that the complainant ended the relationship later in January after discovering that Mwembe was married.
The allegations came to the attention of the authorities on December 8, when the complainant’s manager questioned her about her perceived rudeness towards Mwembe at work.
It was during this conversation that the complainant reportedly disclosed the alleged assaults.
Following the report, the complainant underwent a medical examination. The State indicated that a medical affidavit from this examination will be produced in court as an exhibit.
The case continues.
