Holy Ten Granted US$500 Bail in Rape Case

HARARE — Zimbabwean hip-hop artist Holy Ten has been granted US$500 bail after appearing before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on allegations of raping a 14-year-old girl.

The 27-year-old musician, whose real name is Mukudzei Modecay Chitsama, appeared before magistrate Jesse Kufa on Tuesday. He was represented by lawyer Admire Rubaya.

During the bail hearing, prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe told the court that the National Prosecuting Authority was not opposing bail because investigations into the case are still ongoing.

“We are waiting for a forensic examination report and documents that prove the age of the complainant. The State is not opposed to the release of the accused on bail,” Gangarahwe told the court.

Magistrate Kufa granted Chitsama bail on several conditions. He was ordered to surrender his passport, continue residing at his stated residential address, refrain from interfering with State witnesses and report every Friday at a designated police station.

The matter was remanded to August 7, when the case is expected to return to court.

Holy Ten was arrested early Tuesday before making his initial court appearance later in the day.

The allegations remain under investigation, with prosecutors indicating they are awaiting the results of a forensic examination as well as documentation relating to the complainant’s age.

The rapper recently completed a rehabilitation programme for drug and alcohol addiction at a facility in Rustenburg, South Africa.

The rehabilitation programme was reportedly funded by Collins Mnangagwa, the son of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Holy Ten has frequently been involved in public controversies in recent years, including disputes with several high-profile figures such as preacher Uebert Angel and Collins Mnangagwa.

The granting of bail does not determine guilt or innocence. The allegations against Chitsama are yet to be tested in court, and he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.