MASVINGO , Fortune Charumbira, the Chiefs Council president and president of the Pan-African Parliament, has been accused of sexually abusing his married niece on two occasions. The victim has reported the matter to the Masvingo Central Police Station under RRB 5457646, but Charumbira has not been arrested yet. In response, Charumbira has threatened to sue the victim for defamation, claiming that the charges are baseless.
Charumbira has accused the victim of conniving with opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party members to fabricate charges against him after he failed to convince the victim’s family to withdraw the charges. In leaked WhatsApp chats seen by NewsDay, Charumbira told the victim’s father that he regretted the incident and pleaded with him not to share the leaked audio in which he was allegedly soliciting for a kiss from the 27-year-old niece.
Charumbira denied the allegations and said that he wanted to file charges against those who were raising the allegations, which he said were false. He requested further questions in writing but had not responded by last night. Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police would release a statement on the matter.
Women’s rights organizations have demanded Charumbira’s arrest to allow justice to take its course. The allegations against Charumbira are serious and should be investigated thoroughly to ensure justice is served. It is important to note that sexual harassment and abuse are a violation of human rights and should not be tolerated under any circumstances. The victim should be protected and justice should be served.