By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Tafadzwa Mandaza, affectionately known as DJ Ribhe, a producer for Chillspot Records, has been arrested facing serious allegations of raping a 14-year-old girl.
According to reports, DJ Ribhe appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court where he was represented by attorney Dumisani Mthombeni.
During the proceedings, the State outlined details of the case, alleging that DJ Ribhe raped the minor after administering intoxicating substances to her.
The court, presided over by Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa, instructed DJ Ribhe not to enter a plea at this stage. He has been remanded in custody and is set to return to court on November 20. Additionally, he has been advised to seek bail at the High Court.
The timeline of events began on October 16, when the victim, a Form Two schoolgirl, failed to return home from school. Fearing punishment from her father, who had learned she had not attended school for two consecutive days, she was later found in the company of DJ Ribhe and others.
Reports indicate that on the evening of October 17, the group went to DJ Ribhe’s residence and subsequently to Mashwede Village for what was described as a night of fun.
While at Mashwede Village, DJ Ribhe allegedly encouraged the girl to consume an unknown substance and smoke shisha.
The following morning, she regained consciousness at DJ Ribhe’s home, realizing that she had been intimate with him without her consent. The day after the alleged assault, she was located in Highfield, Harare, after her father filed a missing person report.
The allegations became public on October 20, following an interview between the girl and her father after she was found.
The case continues to develop, and the community is closely watching the proceedings as they unfold.