The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had by Monday, 17 April not arrested Chiefs’ Council president Chief Fortune Charumbira for alleged sexual assault.
Charumbira, who is also president of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) allegedly sexually abused his 27-year-old married niece on two occasions.
The complainant, who is a teacher at a school in Masvingo, formally filed a report at Masvingo Central Police Station under RRB 5457646 on Saturday.
On Monday, Charumbira addressed traditional leaders in Mashonaland Central province ahead of national Independence Day celebrations this Tuesday.
One traditional leader told NewsDay that Charumbira was asked about the issue and professed ignorance. Said the traditional leader:
Charumbira held a meeting and he just reminded traditional leaders to uphold the gains of Independence.
He was also asked by Chief Nembire, who is also a senator in the area about the report, and said he is not aware that there are allegations against him while police have not yet contacted him.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told the publication that they will issue a statement after the Independence Day anniversary. He said:
It’s too early for us to comment. Check with us after national Independence Day celebrations.
According to a leaked police memo, Charumbira assaulted the complainant at the Rainbow Towers and again at Monomotapa hotels in Harare on two separate occasions.
It further alleged that Charumbira later escorted the woman to his vehicle where she secretly recorded their conversation.
In a leaked recording, Charumbira could be heard begging for a kiss from the complainant but was turned down. Charumbira could be heard saying:
Just a kiss with me… Can it make the world collapse? If you refuse, you have killed me. The best goodbye is to kiss me. I am saying it out of love.
There is one decision you made. It never destroyed you…. You know better when you did it and with … You had to do it at some point although it was hard for years and ….
I am saying so because you have kids. Those decisions were very difficult. Kiss me to motivate me.
Some commentators suggested that Charumbira could have been set up by State security agents after he recently publicly called for talks between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and CCC Nelson Chamisa, something considered anathema in ruling party circles.
Charumbira made the remarks last month at the burial of the mother of Harare mayor Jacob Mafume in Mbetu Village, Masvingo province.
More: Pindula News