JOHANNESBURG, Zimbabwean Chief Fortune Charumbira, who heads the Chiefs Council and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), is at the center of a sexual assault case brought against him by his married niece. Charumbira has accused the victim of colluding with members of the opposition CCC party to fabricate charges against him after failing to convince the victim’s family to withdraw the case. Charumbira has denied the charges and threatened to sue those who have accused him of the assault.
The complainant, a 27-year-old teacher, reported the matter to the Masvingo Central Police Station last week. Leaked WhatsApp chats allegedly between Charumbira and the victim’s father reveal the traditional leader apologizing for the incident and asking the family not to release an audio recording in which he solicited a kiss from the victim.
Charumbira has not been arrested in connection with the alleged assault, and the police have not issued any statements on the matter. However, a leaked police memorandum reportedly details allegations that Charumbira sexually assaulted the complainant on two separate occasions by fondling her breasts, kissing her without her consent, and groping her private parts. The alleged incidents took place at Rainbow Towers Hotel on March 31 and at Crown Plaza Hotel on April 2.
Charumbira has accused the complainant of maliciously filing false charges against him, and he claims to have evidence that members of the opposition CCC party orchestrated the allegations against him. He has vowed to take legal action against those who have accused him of the assault.
The case has caused outrage in Zimbabwe, with many calling for justice to be served and for traditional leaders to be held accountable for their actions. The allegations against Charumbira come at a time when Zimbabwe is grappling with widespread sexual abuse and gender-based violence. The case is likely to put pressure on the government to take stronger action to address these issues and to hold those in positions of power accountable for their actions.
Source -MasimbaNews ✍🏿