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Zvikomborero Parafini
THE trial of a serial rapist, who pleaded guilty to 29 counts of rape, unlawful entry and armed robbery took a dramatic twist yesterday after he exhibited signs of ‘mental illness’.
Issa Siyabu, who is also known as Issa Chakazama or Innocent Kajira, initially appeared before Harare regional magistrate Loice Mukunyadze on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to all charges.
He was then remanded to yesterday for pre-sentence hearing where the court conducts a victim impact assessment.
When Siyabu was called to the dock, he started screaming and shouting.
This prompted the State to apply to have him mentally examined by two doctors to ascertain his mental state.
Siyabu targeted prominent businessmen and popular figures, including Ronald Ajara, celebrity dentist Dr Anesu Musvosvi, former mayor Ben Manyenyeni and Better Brands executive manager, Simbarashe Makomichi.
As the counts were being read, Siyabu told the court not to ‘bother’ itself by reading as he was pleading to guilty to everything — two rape charges, five armed robberies and 22 unlawful entries.
Magistrate Mukunyadze, however, insisted on the charges being read in full for the record.
Siyabu is back in court on February 29.
Online Reporter