LONDON – A member of the legendary Zimbabwe band the Bhundu Boys who was convicted of rape in the United Kingdom has avoided deportation by claiming the songs he performed in the past would put him at risk back home.
According to the UK Sunday Times, Washington Kavhai, 54, used the European Convention on Human Rights to argue successfully at an immigration tribunal that he would be subjected to torture or degrading treatment if returned.
In a subsequent comment on his lawyers’ website, Kavhai described his victory at the tribunal as “more than brilliant”.
Kavhai, a bass guitarist with the Bhundu Boys, had been refused the right to remain in Britain 11 years ago before he was convicted in February 2003 of threats to kill, false imprisonment, attempted rape, rape and indecent assault.
He was sentenced to six years and nine months in jail. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of witness intimidation. Nehanda Radio understands Kavhai was released from prison in 2008 but had claimed asylum while in prison.
When he was released in 2008 the UK authorities could not deport him while the asylum application was processed. With nowhere to deport him to, the UK authorities kept him in prison even though he had served his full sentence.
