By Panashe Karidzagundi
A 42-year-old Beitbridge man, Qinisela Makhalima, on Wednesday this week appeared before Magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba facing a rape charge.
Makhalima is being accused of raping his former girlfriend, a 19-year-old woman from Juta Village 2 under Chief Sitaudze in Beitbridge.
Makhalima has sinced the commencement of his case denied the allegations against him.
Prosecutor Olivia Chamutinya told the court, the complainant, with her name withheld for confidentiality, alleged that on 16 May 2026 at around 6pm, she was alone at home when she allegedly discovered Makhalima hiding under a bed in a spare bedroom.
The court heard that she allegedly attempted to flee before being overpowered.
Chamutinya alleged that Makhalima forcibly had unprotected sexual intercourse with the complainant without her consent before leaving the scene.
Testifying during the trial, the complainant’s aunt, Sheila Chikudo, told the court that she received several “please call me” requests from her niece on the night of the alleged incident.
Chikudo said when she returned the calls, she heard the complainant crying and repeatedly calling for help.
She told the court that she, together with her husband, hired a taxi and travelled to Lutumba where the complainant lived.
Upon arrival, they allegedly found the complainant distressed and crying.
Chikudo testified that the complainant informed her that she had been raped by a neighbour whom she referred to as “Malume”.
She further told the court that the matter was reported to police the same night.
During cross-examination, Makhalima questioned Chikudo on several aspects of her testimony, including the timing of events, the condition of the house upon her arrival, and the initial classification of the case.
Chikudo said she was recounting what she observed and what had been reported to her by niece.
The court also heard evidence from Victim Friendly Unit officer Lerato Sibanda, who testified that she attended the alleged crime scene and took photographs of a mattress where the complainant said the incident occurred.
Sibanda told the court that the complainant reported being a virgin before the alleged incident and that blood stains were observed on the mattress.
She further testified that the complainant allegedly recorded a voice note during the incident and stated that she and Makhalima were no longer in a romantic relationship at the time.
Under cross-examination, Makhalima questioned the officer about discrepancies regarding whether the matter had initially been recorded as attempted rape or rape, as well as the handling of evidence.
Sibanda told the court that a medical report prepared by a doctor would be produced as evidence and said the medical findings allegedly indicated penetration.
Makhalima was remanded in custody to June, 10, 2026 for trial continuation.