adminFungai Lupande Court Reporter
A COLONEL in the Zimbabwe National Army, Jadnous Garira, who was accused of raping his maid, was acquitted last week after the court established that the woman lied. Col Garira (54) of No. 3 St Patrick’s Road, Hatfield, was taken to court by his 20-year-old housemaid alleging that he raped her. Harare magistrate Mr Adonia Masawi cleared Col Garira at the close of the State case for lack of evidence. Mr Masawi said: “There is no explanation for failure of the complainant to leave the house immediately after the alleged rape and seek refuge at the cottage. “Her statements contradict and her evidence is not reliable. It is extraordinary that the complainant was persuaded to report the alleged rape by other people.
“It is uncertain whether she cried during the alleged rape. “There is no reasonable suspicion by the court.” Allegations were that on June 20 this year the woman started work and stayed alone with Garira, while other people occupied the cottage. Prosecutor Mr Liberty Gono alleged on August 14 Garira and the maid had their supper and retired to their respective bedrooms.
It was alleged that Garira later sneaked into the maid’s bedroom and raped her once. The following morning around 6am, Garira went back to the maid’s room and raped her for the second time. The maid later opened up to her friend and they filed a police report.
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