Zanu PF Mazowe North legislator Tsungai Makumbe has been charged with raping his ex-wife, resulting in her becoming pregnant and contracting HIV.
Makumbe appeared before Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa on Tuesday and has been released on bail. He is scheduled to return to court on October 3 for his trial.
The alleged incident occurred in November 2023 but was only reported this week. According to the allegations, Makumbe visited his ex-wife’s home around 11 pm and called her outside.
He proposed a romantic relationship, which she rejected. In response, he reportedly brandished a gun, forced her into the passenger seat of his car, and raped her without using protection.
State prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti described how Makumbe allegedly twisted the woman’s leg to make her fall to the ground. After the assault, he gave her $20 to purchase morning-after pills, which she refused.
The woman later sought medical treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital, where she discovered she was pregnant and had tested positive for HIV.