Court sets Judgment day for Macheke parents this week

MARONDERA-Marondera Magistrate Ignatius Mhene has set the judgement for the Macheke
parents who are facing charges of sexually abusing their children, for this week on Friday.
The accused whose names cannot be revealed to protect the identities of the abused minor children
are facing rape charges where the father allegedly raped his biological eight-year-old daughter while
the mother faces aggravated indecent assault charges for allegedly also sexually abusing her 11-
year-old biological son.
However, the parents' lawyer Chido Kavhumbura made an application of discharge on the woman’s
case citing that the State had failed to produce evidence sufficient enough to establish a charge to
which Magistrate Mhene said he will announce his decision on the judgement day.
On the rape charge, the State continued briefly with the trial, cross examining the father of the
minor who continued to vehemently deny charges levelled against him.
He said he was not guilty because the story was fabricated by the aunt who is believed to be
protecting her son who is alleged to have also abused his daughter during their short stay in Mutoko.
He mentioned that the medical reports also shows that the complainant was raped by a minor and
since she did not attain any major injuries he can not be held accountable for the crime.
According to the accused's narration, they sent their children to Mutoko because the complainant
had adopted a habit of absconding school lessons.
It was also said that she was not limping when she was sent to live with her aunt in Mutoko.
Continuing with his defense, the father mentioned that if indeed he was guilty, he would have been
arrested a long time ago.
He then denied the charge levelled against him describing it as a fabrication.
At the closure of the trial proceedings, Magistrate Mhene said he will announce his judgement on
November 25.
Barbra Mabika and Zvikomborero Chidavaenzi prosecuted.