Chillspot Records producer DJ Ribhe, known as Tafadzwa Mandaza, has changed his legal representation as police continue their investigation into serious allegations of raping an underage schoolgirl.
The 32-year-old appeared before Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa for a routine remand hearing, where he was advised to seek bail from the High Court.
DJ Ribhe has been in custody since the start of November and is facing a charge of rape involving a 14-year-old girl. The case was postponed to December 3 to allow for the finalisation of investigations. Initially, he was represented by lawyers Dumisani Mtombeni and Stanley Matandadzi, but his family has since informed Mtombeni that they have secured new legal counsel.
The following day, around 10 PM, the girl was reportedly with DJ Ribhe and others at Mashwede Village, a well-known entertainment spot in Harare. It is alleged that DJ Ribhe made her drink an unknown substance while they were smoking shisha. The situation escalated when, at approximately 3 AM on October 18, the group returned to DJ Ribhe’s residence, where the girl regained consciousness the next morning.
Upon waking, she realised that DJ Ribhe had engaged in sexual intercourse with her without her consent. Subsequent investigations led to her being located in Highfield after her father filed a missing person report.
The case came to public attention on October 20 when the girl’s father questioned her about her whereabouts. The allegations against DJ Ribhe have drawn significant media attention, particularly due to the nature of the accusations and the involvement of minors.
DJ Ribhe is not the first member of Chillspot Records to face legal troubles. DJ Levels previously faced rape allegations that were eventually dropped by the accuser, fellow musician Shashl, who maintained that DJ Levels had not assaulted her. Similarly, DJ Fantan has been embroiled in domestic violence charges brought by his estranged wife, Gamu Nemukuyu, which were also later dropped.
