The Mutare Magistrates’ Court is hearing a case against a public prosecutor and a lawyer accused of obstructing justice in a rape case involving a 13-year-old girl.
Public Prosecutor Timothy Katsande (34) and lawyer Benjamin Basikiti (35) are facing charges of defeating or obstructing the course of justice after they allegedly conspired to manipulate facts in the case.
According to the State, the two men drafted and tendered a false Statement of Agreed Facts, suggesting that the victim and the accused rapist were in a consensual relationship and unrelated — a claim that directly contradicted evidence contained in the police docket.
The court heard that this misrepresentation enabled the perpetrator to plead guilty to the lesser charge of sexual intercourse with a minor instead of rape.
As a result, he received a reduced sentence of 36 months’ imprisonment, part of which was suspended.
On 4 September 2025, the court dismissed Katsande and Basikiti’s application for discharge at the close of the State’s case, ruling that they have a case to answer.
The matter has been remanded to 12 September 2025 for the defence case.
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