Crimes and Courts Correspondent
The trial of Bright Nyanhete, a 26-year-old Zimbabwean man based in Australia, commenced today in a Zimbabwean court.
Nyanhete is accused of raping his girlfriend, whom he met in person for the first time during his recent visit home.
Nyanhete appeared before regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa last week and was granted free bail, with no bail issues arising due to his residence in Australia.
He is represented by Professor Lovemore Madhuku.
The allegations stem from an incident on November 13, when Nyanhete visited the complainant’s home. According to the State, the couple had initially connected through the complainant’s sister, who also lives in Australia.
Nyanhete expressed his desire to marry a Zimbabwean woman, leading to the development of a romantic relationship.
During the visit, the court heard that the two engaged in conversation while drinking whisky, which Nyanhete had brought. However, the complainant indicated that she was not ready to engage in sexual activity due to concerns about Nyanhete’s HIV status.
“After I went to the bathroom, he handed me a drink that I suspect was laced with something,” the complainant stated.
“I felt disoriented and was unable to resist when he assaulted me.”
The State alleges that upon her return from the bathroom, Nyanhete held her by the neck and raped her. Following the initial incident, the couple reportedly went to bed together, where the alleged assault occurred again. The complainant later described suffering from a severe headache and palpitations, which hindered her ability to resist.
Feeling distressed, the complainant confided in a friend, who advised her to report the incident to the police.
In his defense, Nyanhete has claimed that the allegations are fabricated, suggesting that they arose after the complainant learned of his plans to marry someone else later this month.
As the trial unfolds, both sides are expected to present their evidence and testimonies, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
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