Old Mutual Manager Convicted of Raping UZ Intern

Old Mutual

HARARE – A business development manager at Old Mutual has been convicted of raping a student from the University of Zimbabwe who was completing an internship at the financial services firm. Musa Nyasha Dube Manyika was found guilty on two counts of rape on Thursday following a full trial before Harare regional magistrate Estere Chivasa.

The court convicted Manyika after ruling that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He is expected to return to court for a pre-sentencing hearing, where the magistrate will consider aggravating and mitigating factors before handing down a sentence.

Internship Period Assault

According to the State, the complainant was a student at the University of Zimbabwe who was also a beneficiary of an Old Mutual scholarship when the alleged offences occurred. Prosecutor Chido Gohori told the court that the first incident took place in November 2022.

Manyika allegedly sent the student a WhatsApp message asking her to assist him with packing promotional banners at Old Mutual Gardens, the company’s offices in Harare.

The court heard that he collected the student from the University of Zimbabwe campus and drove with her to the office complex. Upon arrival, the accused allegedly took the complainant to his office, where he raped her. After the incident, the court was told that Manyika apologised and gave the student a branded T-shirt, a cap, and a juice bottle. He also allegedly threatened her, warning that her scholarship would be withdrawn if she reported the matter.

Second Incident in 2024

The court heard that a second assault occurred nearly two years later, on June 19, 2024.

Prosecutors said Manyika contacted the complainant again after work, telling her he wanted to discuss her career prospects. They agreed to meet at Ashbrittle Shops in Harare before Manyika offered to drive her home.

However, instead of taking her directly to her residence, he allegedly drove into Belfast Road, where he stopped the vehicle. The State told the court that Manyika then adjusted the passenger seat where the complainant was seated before raping her inside the car. Following the assault, he drove her home and again apologised for his actions.

Court Finds State Proved Its Case

In her ruling, Magistrate Chivasa said the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to secure a conviction. She found that the State had proved the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in Manyika being convicted on both rape charges. The matter will return to court for a pre-sentencing hearing, where submissions from both the prosecution and defence will help determine the appropriate sentence.

Old Mutual manager rape case Zimbabwe