A Kadoma woman has formally petitioned the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) to consider appealing against the acquittal of prominent businessman and former Renaissance Financial Holdings banker Patterson Timba (59), who had been charged with rape.
Rhoda Gandanga, the complainant in the matter of State v Timba, said she was dissatisfied with the judgement delivered by the Kadoma Magistrates’ Court on March 30, 2026, in which the accused was found not guilty.
In a letter addressed to the NPA’s Appeals Section in Harare, Gandanga argued that the acquittal was not supported by the evidence presented and amounted to a miscarriage of justice.
She further raised concern over how the proceedings concluded, alleging that the magistrate delivered the ruling immediately after the defence abandoned calling two witnesses.
According to Gandanga, the case had proceeded to the defence stage, with witnesses expected to testify. However, she claims the defence counsel withdrew the witnesses and the court issued its judgment without further proceedings.
Gandanga also took issue with the court’s reasoning for the acquittal, stating that it was based on her inability, as an adult complainant, to recall the exact date of the alleged rape.
“The case was on defence case with the lawyer bringing in 2 witnesses but he just abandoned calling of the witnesses and the magistrate delivered his ruling at that moment,” the complainant stated.
“To me it appears as a shock as it proves that the magistrate entered court with the judgement already before the defence counsel could say out his intentions of abandoning the witnesses as the matter was coming for trial continuation.
“The reason for the acquittal was that I could not remember the exact date the accused person raped me as an adult. I may not be familiar with court proceedings but this came as a shocker to me also.”
She has requested the NPA to assess the prospects of success on appeal and to advise on the way forward, including any additional information required to facilitate the process.
“In light of the above, I respectfully request that your office considers noting prospects of success on appeal and that the matter deserves further judicial appeal against the judgement,” Gandanga noted.
“I kindly request to be advised on the way forward and any additional information that may be required from me to facilitate the process.”
