JUST IN: State Drops Rape Charges Against Holy Ten

Prosecutors have withdrawn rape charges against Zimbabwean hip-hop musician Holy Ten, citing insufficient evidence, ending months of remand proceedings over allegations involving a 14-year-old girl.

The musician, whose real name is Mukudzei Chitsama, had denied the allegations. The charges were withdrawn before plea on November 5, according to court reports.

Chitsama was arrested in July and subsequently granted US$500 bail.

His conditions included surrendering his passport, reporting to police weekly and refraining from interfering with witnesses.

At his initial appearance, prosecutors said investigators were awaiting a forensic report and documents confirming the complainant’s age.

The prosecution had alleged that the teenager met the musician at a recording session at Avondale Shopping Centre on July 20, where she was expected to feature in a music video.

According to the State’s allegations, Chitsama later took her to a bed-and-breakfast establishment in Hatfield, where the alleged assault occurred.

The teenager subsequently reported the incident to her aunt, who accompanied her to the police. These allegations were not established through a completed trial.

The case had faced repeated postponements while investigators sought to complete their inquiries.

During an October appearance, defence lawyer Admire Rubaya indicated that he would seek refusal of further remand if prosecutors failed to provide a trial date by November 5.

The State had requested the postponement to allow investigations to be finalised.

The reported outcome was a withdrawal before plea, rather than an acquittal following a trial.

It does not establish that the complainant’s allegations were false.