Village head Thomas Chikozho at Chief Nyakunhuwa’s court |
Brighton Chiseva
A Zaka village head was last week dragged to Chief Nyakunhuwa’s court
facing charges of ‘rapping’ a married woman whom he is alleged to have coerced
to sleep with him in exchange for preference on government or donor aid.
Village head Thomas Chikozho is said to have abused his authority to gain
sex from an 18-year-old married woman who told the court that she was forced
into the act and the matter was forwarded to the police.
Chikozho was caught in the act by the owner of the maize field who accused
the two of having an affair.
Acting Chief Nyakunhuwa born Courage Mashavave confirmed matter and said his
court failed to rule over the case as it appeared to be rape and had to refer
the matter to the police.
“I heard the matter at my court last Friday but Chikozho denied the
allegations and from the deliberations I saw it was a rape case and I referred
the case to the police and a report was made,” said Nyakunhuwa.
Sources privy to the matter said it happened in February but was only
reported to the chief in March because the woman’s husband was away.
It is said Chikozho convinced the victim by promising her first preference
whenever aid comes.
Sources say Chikozho had sex with the victim on different occasions thrice
but lucky ran out when they did it in their neighbors maize field.
The husband of the victim, who is said to work in Masvingo, went to Zaka
and was told about the alleged affair before reporting the case to Chief
Nyakunhuwa.