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Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
MDC-T National Assembly representative for Budiriro and party deputy youth chair Costa Machingauta, who was arrested on Friday for allegedly raping a Midlands State University student after luring her to his hotel room, was yesterday granted US$100 bail.
Machingauta, of 9239 Budiriro 5, faces two counts of rape.
Gweru magistrate Ms Judith Taruvinga granted him bail on condition that he reports to Harare Central Police Station every Monday and Friday until the matter is concluded and does not interfere with State witnesses.
He was not asked to plead and remanded to June 20.
Prosecutor Mr Daniel Tafuma alleges that on May 31 this year, Machingauta – who is reading for a Local Governance degree at MSU – invited the complainant for a drink at a local nightspot and the MP got drunk.
The court heard that Machingauta invited the girl to his room after lying that he wanted to get his car keys.
When they got to the hotel room, Machingauta allegedly locked the door and started caressing her.
Mr Tafuma said the girl pleaded with him to stop, but he forced onto the bed, and then stripped and raped her.
The court heard the MP refused to open the door after the rape and in the morning raped her again before letting her go.
The student told her fiancé about the alleged rapes and a police report was made resulting in Machingauta’s arrest.
Online Reporter