Happymore Chidziva, a Member of Parliament representing Glen View North for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), is facing serious allegations of rape.
He was arrested on Tuesday and is expected to appear in court today. The arrest follows weeks of investigation into a rape claim made earlier this month.
The arrest was confirmed by both the victim’s lawyer and the national police spokesperson. Webster Jiti, the lawyer representing the alleged victim’s family, had previously written to the Police Victim Friendly Unit at Harare Central Police Station on September 20th, expressing concern over the delay in apprehending Chidziva.
In his letter, Jiti stated: “Our client is concerned with the delays in the apprehension of the accused person in this matter. Accordingly, we have been instructed to kindly request your good office to apprehend the accused person pending the completion of investigations, as we do hereby.”
Following this letter, police action was swift. On Tuesday, Jiti confirmed Chidziva’s arrest, stating: “The ZRP has advised me that they have managed to apprehend Chidziva. The matter will go to court on Wednesday for initial remand.”
This confirmation was echoed by National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who added: “We confirm that Happymore Chidziva has been arrested and is currently in police custody as investigations continue. He will appear in court tomorrow.”
The alleged victim is a 16-year-old girl. Chidziva, who is married to the alleged victim’s aunt, is accused of repeatedly assaulting the young woman after showering her with gifts. The details of the alleged offences are yet to be fully revealed in court.
The case initially came to light earlier this month when a rape report was filed at Harare Central Police Station by the alleged victim and her family. Adding to the complexity of the situation, the family had also previously filed a missing person report at Budiriro Police Station, alleging that Chidziva had concealed the victim. This suggests a pattern of alleged manipulative behaviour by the accused.
Commissioner Nyathi’s earlier statement, released shortly after the initial report, confirmed the police investigation: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that a report of rape allegations against Happymore Chidziva (MP Glen View North) has been made by a complainant and her family at Harare Central Police Station.”
At that point, police had launched a manhunt for Chidziva, who had reportedly been evading authorities for several weeks.
However, Chidziva’s evasion of the authorities was short-lived. He ultimately surrendered himself to the police yesterday, accompanied by his lawyer.
His decision to surrender, following weeks of being sought by police, marks a significant turning point in the case. The details surrounding his surrender remain unclear, but it is understood that his legal representation played a key role in facilitating the process.
