Siqokoqela Mphoko, son of Zimbabwe’s former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, has spoken out after the Bulawayo High Court overturned his 20-year sentence for allegedly raping his 12-year-old niece.
Siqokoqela revealed he suffered significant personal and professional consequences, including lost business deals, due to the allegations.
“When Mantombi Ndlovu fabricated lies against me, many in society believed her lies and persecuted me. My wife and children were ridiculed.
“We were isolated. I lost business deals that I can not recover. My dignity and integrity were tarnished. I thank God for vindicating me,” Siqokoqela told Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda during a TV interview.
The High Court last week deemed the initial conviction “unsafe” citing concerns over the complaint’s validity and potential coercion.
Judges Bongani Ndlovu and Munamato Mutevedzi noted that the child’s mother may have induced the complaint through threats, and social workers may have employed leading questions.
Siqokoqela’s conviction for escaping lawful custody was upheld, earning him a two-month prison sentence. His lawyer, Thobekile Dube, had sought leniency due to medical conditions.
Siqokoqela denied the allegations, claiming conspiracy by senior family members.
This development follows former VP Mphoko’s ongoing trial for alleged criminal abuse of office.
In 2016, Mphoko reportedly ordered the release of two Zimbabwe National Roads Administration executives, Moses Julius Juma and Davison Norupiri, from Avondale Police Station despite fraud allegations.
Juma, the former acting CEO, and Norupiri, finance committee chairperson, were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission.
The Supreme Court dismissed Mphoko’s appeal in June, upholding the High Court’s decision to deny his discharge application. The ruling allowed the trial to proceed at the Harare Magistrates’ Court, where Mphoko was ordered to present his defence.
Prosecutors allege Mphoko, then Vice President, unlawfully intervened, releasing the executives and driving them away despite their scheduled court appearance.
Mphoko’s actions on May 6, 2016, sparked allegations. Juma received a 30-month prison sentence for fraud and criminal abuse of office but remains a fugitive after failing to surrender.
