Chinese national accused of raping teenager granted bail
By Dumisani Ndlovu
A 51-year-old Chinese national, Zhang Zhaowen, accused of raping a 17-year-old girl at Derby Mine in Gweru, has been granted bail by the Masvingo High Court. The accused had been denied bail by the Gweru Regional Magistrate’s Court, but his lawyer, Chidawanyika, successfully appealed the decision.
The accused Chinese national, was initially denied bail by Gweru Regional Magistrate Christopher Maturure in the Gweru Regional Courts, where he faced rape allegations. However, his lawyer, Chidawanyika, successfully appealed the decision at the Masvingo High Court, resulting in Judge Justice Sunsley Zisengwe granting Zhang a $100 bail.
The accused faces charges of rape, as defined in section 65 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23. He allegedly committed the crime on November 15, 2022, and the victim subsequently became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl on July 2, 2023.
Zhang has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody until June 28, 2024, pending further proceedings.
As part of the bail conditions set by Judge Zisengwe, Zhang Zhaowen is required to remain at his designated residence at Derby Mine, Valley Road, Gweru, and refrain from interfering with witnesses or the ongoing investigations. Additionally, he must report to Gweru Central Police every two weeks and surrender his passport to the court’s clerk, effectively limiting his movements and ensuring his cooperation with the legal proceedings.
According to Senior Regional Public Prosecutor Aggrina Matutu, Zhang Zhaowen allegedly committed the crime on November 15, 2022, at the mine where he worked with the 17-year-old victim. The prosecutor detailed how Zhang allegedly grabbed the teenager by the collar, dragged her into the office, and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.
The alleged incident resulted in the victim becoming pregnant and giving birth to a baby girl on July 2, 2023. The police were informed of the incident on June 13, 2024, leading to Zhang’s arrest.
