daniel chigunwe
Zvikomborero Parafini
THE State has withdrawn charges against Australia-based Bright Nyanhete in mid-trial and the court has issued a verdict of not guilty.
The trial was temporarily halted after the State, represented by Loveit Muringwa, indicated that the complainant was not comfortable with testifying in an open court.
Muringwa abandoned that application, stating that it was no longer necessary, as there were some developments in the case.
Yesterday, Muringwa told the court that the complainant indicated that she was no longer interested in pursuing the case.
“The State is withdrawing charges after plea at the instance of the complainant who doesn’t want to proceed anymore because this case has attracted negative publicity to both their families, which is affecting her mental health,” said Muringwa.
Nyanhete’s lawyer, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, prayed for a verdict of not guilty as it was a direct implication of the State’s submissions.
Magistrate Sandra Mupindu declared that she had found Nyanhete not guilty on both counts of rape.
The complainant had claimed that Nyanhete raped her twice, after they met for the first time, upon his return from Australia.
Nyanhete denied the charges.
