Former Zanu PF lawmaker Munyaradzi Kereke returns to jail as the Supreme Court dismisses his appeal against conviction and sentence.
In 2016, Harare magistrate Noel Mupeiwa sentenced Kereke to 14 years, later reduced to 10 years. Despite securing bail in August 2021, Kereke must now complete his remaining 20 months at Chikurubi Maximum prison.
The appeal, heard by a three-panel Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Tendai Uchena, George Chiweshe, and Samuel Kudya, affirmed Kereke’s conviction.
The court found the complainant’s testimony credible, supported by medical evidence and contradictions in Kereke’s account.
The defense of an alibi was disproven, and the prosecution demonstrated that Kereke’s witnesses were coached.
Kereke’s conviction stemmed from the rape of his 10-year-old niece at gunpoint in 2010. While acquitted of indecent assault against his 16-year-old niece, his case marked Zimbabwe’s first private prosecution.
Despite delays and setbacks, private prosecutor Charles Warara effectively pursued the case, overcoming resistance from Kereke and former Prosecutor-General Johannes Tomana, who initially declined to prosecute.The Supreme Court commended Warara’s efforts and noted the prolonged five-year delay in prosecuting Kereke.
