Harare magistrate Ayanda Ndlamini acquitted former mayor Muchadeyi Masunda yesterday, stating that the State’s case lacked evidence and that proceeding to defense would waste resources and time.
In her judgment, Ndlamini ruled that the State did not provide enough evidence to prove that the complainant had been indecently assaulted. She noted that witness testimonies appeared biased, especially since the complainant went to Masunda’s workplace after the alleged incident and remained there for over two hours.
Ndlamini found that the State failed to demonstrate that Masunda had any sexual intentions when he approached the complainant to retrieve his office keys. Masunda was represented by lawyer Tecla Mapota during the trial.
The complainant, Ropafadzo Sibusiso Chidawu, 34, is the daughter of the late Harare Metropolitan Affairs Minister Oliver Chidawu and a beneficiary of the Oliver Mandishona Chidawu Trust. Chidawu alleged that on August 4, 2023, she went to Masunda’s office in Milton Park to discuss trust-related matters. She claimed that upon entering, Masunda expressed reluctance to engage with her, leading to a physical confrontation.
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Chidawu alleged that Masunda grabbed her, prompting her to try to record the encounter on her cellphone. She claimed she fought back, elbowing him and eventually locking herself in his office to record their “meeting.” After about two and a half hours, she returned the keys and left.
The State claimed that Chidawu reported the incident to her colleague, Truword Kapamara, after leaving Masunda’s office. Masunda’s lawyers pointed out inconsistencies in Chidawu’s behavior, arguing that thanking someone for a “meeting” after an assault was implausible.
Chidawu had previously lost four out of six cases against Masunda before this latest accusation. After his acquittal, Masunda expressed no ill will toward Chidawu and stated he would continue to work with Ngoni Kudenga as co-trustees of the Oliver Mandishona Chidawu Trust for the benefit of its designated beneficiaries.
Masunda emphasized that he and Kudenga have no personal or financial interests in the trust and are acting for the benefit of others. He described the acquittal as the conclusion of a long and challenging saga since he began his legal career over 50 years ago. Muchadeyi Masunda
