MP Tsungai Makumbe Acquitted of Rape Charges Against Ex-Wife

Mazowe North MP Tsungai Makumbe has been acquitted of rape charges against his ex-wife, as the court found insufficient evidence and inconsistencies in her testimony. The incident, which allegedly occurred at gunpoint, remains clouded in disputable claims. Magistrate Clever Tsikwa concluded that the state failed to prove its case.

In a significant legal decision, Mazowe North MP Tsungai Makumbe from Zanu PF has been acquitted of charges relating to the alleged rape of his 23-year-old ex-wife at gunpoint. On Wednesday, Harare magistrate Clever Tsikwa concluded that the prosecution did not meet the burden of proof required to substantiate the allegations, ultimately leading to Makumbe’s exoneration.

The allegations stated that the incident occurred in Mt Pleasant in November 2022. Prosecutors contended that Makumbe visited the complainant’s residence late at night and summoned her to meet him. Upon complying, she entered Makumbe’s vehicle, where he allegedly displayed a firearm and demanded sexual acts from her.

Further accusations included his physical assault of the complainant, as he allegedly twisted her leg, forcing her to exit the vehicle and submit to rape. It is claimed that after the incident, Makumbe provided her with money for emergency contraception and that the woman later received medical treatment for a chronic disease at Parirenyatwa Hospital. She reported the incident on September 2 of this year.

However, magistrate Tsikwa cited a lack of corroborating evidence and highlighted numerous inconsistencies in the victim’s account. The court asserted that these inconsistencies indicated attempts to mislead the court regarding the circumstances of the case. Notably, lawyer John Ndomene represented Makumbe throughout the proceedings.

The acquittal of Tsungai Makumbe on charges of raping his ex-wife underscores the complexity of legal cases involving severe allegations. The judgment emphasized the necessity for comprehensive evidence and consistency in testimonies within the judicial process. As significant as the outcome is, it serves as a reminder of the legal standards that must be met in such grave matters.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com