Tinaani Nyabereka
Mvuma—A self-styled Mvuma prophet of Johanne Masowe Echishanu who was arrested for allegedly raping a 15 year-old juvenile was last week re arrested for threatening both the victim and her family with death if the family refused to withdraw the court case.
The accused, Pepukayi Mutambu (39) of Hoto Village under Chief Hama is facing four rape charges as defined in Section 65 of the Criminal Law and Codification Act 9:23.
Appearing before Mvuma Provincial Magistrate Constance Mutandwa on Thursday last week, the accused was made to answer to the charges of threatening the complainant and her mother with death and madness.
He was was remanded in custody to June 9, 2022.
According to state papers , on April 19, the accused met the complainant at Chinyuni Business Centre and threatened the complainant to change her statement in court. He coerced the girl to tell the court that they were in love and refusal to do so would see Mutambu using the complainant’s undergarments to kill her.
It is said Mutambu however proceeded to threaten the complainant’s mother, Maceline Mushininga with madness on condition that she was supposed to withdraw the case.
Mushininga however reported the case at Charandura Police station on the 20th April, 2022 and Mutambu was arrested.
Mutambu allegedly raped the juvenile sometime in February this year. It is reported that Mutambu offered free use of his refrigerator to the complainant’s mother after she got some beef from a community beef sharing club commonly referred to as ‘beef committee’.
It is alleged that on 14 February, 2022 the complainant together with her minor cousin were sent to collect some meat for supper. Upon arrival, Mutambu sent Benjamin to his shrine with a message to the congregants who were gathered there.
The complainant then entered the room to collect meat in the fridge and Mutambu then followed her inside, closed the door and increased volume on his music system before raping the minor.
Mutambu then took the girl’s undergarments and threatened to use them to kill her or make her mad in the event that she disclosed the matter or refuse to sleep with him again. Mutambu reportedly raped the minor three times afterwards.
The matter was then reported at Charandura Police station on March 22, 2022. Mutambu was then trapped and arrested while at the complainant’s house where he was attempting to give the family a bribe of US$185. Mutambu was released on bail before his re-arrest on April 20 2022.
The juvenile was examined and a medical report was produced as exhibit in court.
Tfadzwa Zulu prosecuted
