Holy Ten Granted US$500 Bail in Rape Case Involving Minor

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | HARARE

Zimbabwean hip-hop artist Mukudzei Chitsama, popularly known as Holy Ten, has been granted US$500 bail after appearing in court on a rape charge involving a 14-year-old girl. The musician appeared before the court on 22 July 2026, where the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) did not oppose his release on bail while investigations continue.

The matter was remanded to 7 August 2026 to allow investigators to obtain outstanding evidence, including a forensic report and documents confirming the complainant's age.

According to prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe, the State is still awaiting key evidence before the case can proceed.

"The NPA is awaiting the forensic report and documents confirming the age of the complainant," Gangarahwe told the court.

The court granted Holy Ten bail by consent on the conditions set by the magistrate.

According to court proceedings, investigators allege that the complainant met Holy Ten through social media after returning to Zimbabwe from South Africa. The State further alleges that she was later invited to feature in one of the musician's music videos before visiting a recording studio and subsequently his home in Hatfield, Harare. Prosecutors allege that the offence occurred at the residence.

The allegations have not been tested in court, and Holy Ten has not entered a plea. Under Zimbabwean law, he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the musician's arrest, with national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi acknowledging that investigations are underway.

The prosecution told the court that the forensic report and documentary proof of the complainant's age are expected to form part of the evidence before the matter proceeds.

Holy Ten is expected to return to court on 7 August 2026 for routine remand proceedings while investigations continue. The case has attracted significant public attention because of the artist's prominence in Zimbabwe's music industry. However, legal experts caution against drawing conclusions before the judicial process has run its course, noting that criminal allegations must be determined through the courts based on the evidence presented.

Holy Ten bail