Crimes and Court Correspondent
Xolisani Gama, a 47-year-old manager at a Nando’s outlet, was acquitted of rape charges after the State failed to prove its case.
Harare regional magistrate Mr. Taurai Manuwere found Gama not guilty, citing contradictory testimony from the complainant and lack of evidence.
“The State’s case relied heavily on the complainant’s testimony, but her account was riddled with inconsistencies,” said Gama’s lawyer, Mr. Tafadzwa Muvhami.
“She couldn’t even remember the exact dates and months of the alleged incidents, and her login records showed she wasn’t even working at the branch where she claimed the rape occurred.”
The complainant, who alleged Gama raped her twice in 2022, told the court she relied solely on her diary for details. However, she denied suffering from memory loss, attributing her forgetfulness to stress and trauma.
“It’s clear the complainant had a motive to frame my client,” Muvhami argued.
“She was denied a transfer to Chicken Inn and sought revenge by fabricating these allegations.”
The State’s case alleged Gama locked a toilet door and raped the complainant during walk-throughs at their workplace. However, internal investigations found Gama not guilty, leading the complainant to report the matter to the police.
“We are relieved that justice has been served,” said Gama’s legal team.
“This acquittal clears Mr. Gama’s name and reputation.”
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