Prosecutor, Lawyer in the Dock

A Mutare-based public prosecutor and a lawyer are facing legal scrutiny over allegations of misconduct and ethical violations after they allegedly altered facts in a rape case involving a 13-year-old girl.

The two, Public Prosecutor Timothy Katsande (34) and lawyer Benjamin Basikiti (35), appeared before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the pair is accused of conspiring to manipulate the facts of the case.

“They allegedly drafted and submitted a false Statement of Agreed Facts, claiming that the child and the accused rapist were in a consensual relationship and not related—contrary to the evidence contained in the docket,” said the NPA.

“This deception led the perpetrator to plead guilty to a lesser offence of sexual intercourse with a minor, resulting in a reduced sentence of 36 months’ imprisonment, part of which was suspended.”

The NPA further stated that on September 4, 2025, the court dismissed the pair’s application for discharge at the close of the State’s case, ruling that they have a case to answer.

The matter has been remanded to September 12, 2025, for the defence case.