A case gripping public attention in Harare saw a major development this week as the man accused of sexually assaulting a woman widely known as "Mai Jeremaya" was ordered to face the serious charges against him.
In a courtroom drama that unfolded before Magistrate Letwin Rwodzi, the defence's attempt to have the case thrown out was firmly rejected, ensuring the trial will proceed.
The trial is now scheduled to resume on Monday. Further cross-examination of the accused and potentially other defence witnesses, along with final submissions from both legal teams, are expected as the court works towards reaching a final verdict in this high-stakes case.
Defence Bid Fails: Magistrate Rules Case Has Merit
The accused, identified as Thabo Blessing Dube, had filed an application for discharge at the close of the State's presentation of evidence. However, Magistrate Rwodzi delivered a ruling that signifies a significant hurdle for the defence. She determined that the prosecution had successfully presented sufficient evidence to establish a *prima facie* case, meaning there are grounds requiring Dube to answer the allegations levelled against him.The Accused Takes the Stand: Denials and Counterclaims
Taking the stand in his own defence on Thursday, Thabo Blessing Dube categorically denied committing rape. In his testimony, he offered a starkly different account of events than that presented by the complainant. |
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Dube claimed his involvement was limited to simply introducing "Mai Jeremaya" to another man, identified only as Charlie, for what he alleged was a consensual and paid sexual encounter. He insisted he never entered the lodge room where the alleged incident occurred and maintained he had no physical part in any sexual act with the complainant.
The Complainant's Grave Allegations
The allegations from the complainant, known as "Mai Jeremaya," paint a distressing picture. She alleges that during the encounter, she was sexually assaulted by *both* Thabo Blessing Dube and the other man, Charlie. Her testimony forms the core of the prosecution's case, directly contradicting Dube's claims of limited involvement and absence from the scene of the alleged crime.Trial Continues: The Legal Battle Ahead
Dube's application for discharge, made under Section 198 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, was dismissed by the magistrate. She specifically noted that key elements required to establish the offence had been presented by the State, leaving no room for the defence to argue for dismissal at this stage. The ruling means the legal battle is far from over.The trial is now scheduled to resume on Monday. Further cross-examination of the accused and potentially other defence witnesses, along with final submissions from both legal teams, are expected as the court works towards reaching a final verdict in this high-stakes case.
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