HARARE – Simbarashe Rushwaya, the Alpha Media Holdings group sports editor, appeared in court on Tuesday facing allegations of raping his 16-year-old housemaid. He was remanded in custody to next Thursday for trial.
Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei advised Rushwaya to apply for bail at the High Court. Allegations against the journalist are that on October 28, he arrived home late and unlocked the door to the house before proceeding to the kitchen where the girl was sleeping.
He woke up the girl and ordered her to remain quiet or he would kill her if she made any noise. The court heard that Rushwaya, who was holding a baton stick, allegedly stripped the girl and raped her.
It is alleged that he used a condom in the alleged offence, telling the girl not to be afraid of falling pregnant. The court heard that Rushwaya threatened the girl with death for the second time if she told anyone about the offence.
Ms Mashavira said after committing the offence, Rushwaya dressed up and left the room. The following day, Rushwaya alleged that the girl had stolen his US$20 in attempt to find a reason to dismiss her from work.
On October 30, a report was made at Ruwa Police Station leading to Rushwaya’s arrest. The girl was examined by a doctor and the medical report was kept as an exhibit.
