Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Senior Court Reporter
BULAWAYO magistrate Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba is today set to deliver a judgment in a high-profile case involving businesswoman Sipho Mazibuko, whose recent attempt at an unsanctioned protest outside the court captured public attention.
The judgement is set to be delivered on August 27.
Mazibuko and seven alleged accomplices, comprising Mr and Mrs Rural Zimbabwe title holders and aides, were arrested on July 24, before being remanded in custody on bail.
Mazibuko and her accomplices are being represented by Calderwood Bryce Hendrie and Partners.
On their arrest, the group was bundled into a police van after officers intervened and warned them against proceeding with the illegal demonstration.
Mazibuko, in an outburst outside the court, said she was demanding justice for a 16-year-old girl allegedly raped multiple times by her uncle.
She claimed the suspect, who is a cross-border truck driver, sexually abused his teenage niece under the guise of spiritually healing the girl’s sick mother.
The abuse, reportedly spanning several weeks, came to light in April after Mazibuko was tipped off by a whistle-blower from Mabheleni Village in Mbembesi, Matabeleland North.
She launched her informal investigations, working with police and mobilising her networks to gather evidence.
Describing the ordeal as “horrific,” Mazibuko said she could not sit idle while the girl suffered, hence she took an active role in assisting law enforcement.
She said she posed as a potential client, luring the suspect into a trap by pretending to need transport services to South Africa.
Mazibuko pretended to be a wealthy businesswoman offering him a better life, money, travel, and everything. He fell for it.
Mazibuko said the ruse developed into a fake romantic relationship, during which the suspect sent her explicit messages that later formed part of the evidence used to secure his arrest.
She also helped ensure the teenage survivor did not drop out of school and is now enrolled at a new institution where she is receiving support.
Both the accused and his mother have since appeared in court and were remanded in custody pending trial.
