CCC MP Happymore Chidziva Acquitted of Rape Charge...

CCC MP Happymore Chidziva Acquitted of Rape Charges

Zim Now Writer

Citizens Coalition for Change legislator, Happymore Chidziva, has been acquitted of rape after standing trial on three counts of sexual assault at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts.

The 43-year-old MP appeared before magistrate Letwin Rwodzi, where the court dismissed the first two counts, ultimately clearing him of all charges.

According to the prosecution led by Lovet Muringwa, the complainant alleged that in April 2024, Chidziva had lured her to Jameson Hotel under the pretense of a meeting after picking her up near ZANU-PF Headquarters. Despite her requests to go home, she claimed that Chidziva insisted she accompany him to the hotel. There, in a private room, she alleged he raped her after she refused to have sex.

The court heard that Chidziva allegedly removed her clothes by force, covered her mouth, and had unprotected sex with her against her will. After the act, he reportedly gave her US$25 and instructed her via text message the next day to buy emergency contraceptives.

In July 2024, the complainant said Chidziva arranged a job for her in Marimba. Later that day, he allegedly booked a room at a guesthouse in Waterfalls where she claimed another forced sexual encounter occurred, this time with a condom.

The third incident allegedly happened in August at Cresta Lodge in Msasa. According to her testimony, after paying for the room, Chidziva returned around midnight, requested sex, and when she refused, he allegedly coerced her with promises of finding her a job overseas before forcing himself on her again without protection.

After this encounter, the complainant said she faced hostility from the family she stayed with, leading her to move in with her cousin in Budiriro. She later received threats from an anonymous caller, warning her against speaking out.

She also claimed that Chidziva urged her to deny everything and "clear his name."

Eventually, the complainant was referred to Childline for counseling. On August 30, 2024, she disclosed the alleged rapes to a counselor, who advised her to file a police report. She did so the same day at Harare Central Police Station.

Despite these detailed allegations, the magistrate ruled in favor of Chidziva, acquitting him of all charges. The basis of the court's decision has not been publicly disclosed.