HARARE, Dec. 16 (NewsDay Live) - A United States-based woman, Zvikomborero Maria Makedenge, who is facing a charge of aggravated indecent assault, has pleaded not guilty before a Harare regional magistrate.
Makedenge, who is represented by Lenon Rwizi, told regional magistrate Noel Mupeiwa that she was never involved in committing the offence as outlined by the State.
She told the court that on August 2, 2025, at around 11:00am, while at the complainant’s residence, the 16-year-old allegedly approached her complaining of severe flu and a headache.
“The complainant asked if the accused had any medication to ease his condition. The accused prepared a ginger drink and said she would look for paracetamol tablets,” Rwizi submitted.
The defence said that after a few minutes in her room, the complainant allegedly made sexual advances towards Makedenge, which she rejected and reprimanded him.
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Makedenge claimed the complainant falsely reported her out of fear that she would inform her boyfriend, who is closely related to him. She further alleged that her boyfriend’s family wanted to frame her as they had never accepted her as a prospective wife.
The public gallery was cleared to allow the underage complainant to testify.
The State alleges that on August 2, the complainant and the accused were at their place of residence when Makedenge asked for a broom. After handing it to her, the complainant went to his spare bedroom.
It is alleged that Makedenge later followed him into the bedroom, closed the door, twisted his arm until he became powerless, tied both his hands with an electric cable, and pushed him onto the bed.
The accused allegedly removed the complainant’s trousers and forcibly engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse without his consent.
After the incident, she allegedly untied him and warned him not to disclose the matter, promising to take him to the United Kingdom where she is formally employed.
The complainant later went to Mbare, where he reported the matter to his sister, who informed their mother. The case was reported at Mbare Police Station, leading to Makedenge’s arrest.
The complainant was medically examined, and a medical affidavit will be produced in court as evidence.