Chantelle Muzanenhamo
ChillSpot Records producer DJ Ribhe has been granted bail by the High Court just in time for Christmas. Ribhe was arrested on the 6th of November and has been in custody since.
Ribhe had spent almost a month in remand prison following his arrest on rape charges, has been granted bail after it was revealed that his accuser, a 14-year-old Form 2 student, had changed her initial statements.
On Wednesday, High Court Judge Justice Regis Dembure presided over the case, where the significant change in the accuser’s account was brought to light.
In her first recorded statement, the minor did not report any allegations of abuse; however, she later claimed her drink was spiked and that she was raped.
The revelation prompted the State, which had initially opposed granting bail, to revise its stance. Justice Dembure commended DJ Ribhe for providing an alternative residence, which contributed to the court’s decision to release him on bail.
Bail was set at US$100, accompanied by strict conditions including that DJ Ribhe must reside at his new address in Glen View, report to the police every Friday, and refrain from interfering with State witnesses.
DJ Ribhe’s arrest had complicated matters, particularly since he and his accuser reside in the same neighborhood. According to the allegations, DJ Ribhe is accused of drugging the minor by spiking her drink before the assault occurred at his home. Prior to the incident, the girl had accompanied him and other unnamed individuals to Mashwede Village.
The State maintains that while at Mashwede, DJ Ribhe manipulated the minor into consuming an unknown substance and smoking shisha. Reports indicate that after returning to Ribhe’s home, the girl regained consciousness to realize she had been raped. Additionally, investigations revealed that she had missed two days of school leading up to the incident.
As DJ Ribhe resumes his life on bail, the case continues to unfold, with upcoming court proceedings anticipated in the new year.