Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
HIP-HOP artiste Mukudzei Chitsama, popularly known as Holy Ten, has applied for a refusal of further remand if the prosecution fails to provide a trial date by November 5, 2026.
The musician, who faces charges of raping a 14-year-old girl, made the application through his lawyer, Mr Admire Rubaya, at the Harare Regional Magistrates Court on Monday, October 19, 2026. This followed a request by State representative Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe to postpone the matter to allow detectives to finalise investigations.
Regional Magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa heard that if the application is granted, Chitsama will be released from remand, but can still be legally summoned to face trial at a later date.
The prosecution alleges that on July 20, 2026, at approximately 3pm, the complainant and a friend visited Avondale Shopping Centre, where Chitsama was recording music. The teenager was scheduled to feature in one of his music videos.
After her friend departed, Chitsama allegedly took the girl to a bed-and-breakfast establishment in Hatfield where he was residing. The State claims he locked the girl inside his room and threatened to kill her before raping her.
Following the alleged assault, Chitsama reportedly instructed an associate to book an InDrive taxi to transport the complainant back to Avondale Shopping Centre. Upon returning, the teenager met her aunt, with whom she resides.
Although the girl initially claimed she had been visiting a friend, she later disclosed the incident to her aunt. A formal police report was subsequently filed, resulting in the artist’s arrest. Four alleged accomplices connected to the case remain at large.
