Ndapandula Vanyika 

Martin February, the man accused of raping a girl (16) in Cimbebasia in 2022 has denied the allegations, telling the Magistrates’ Court that he never had sexual intercourse with the complainant and that she misled him about her age.

February is facing charges under the Combating of Immoral Practices Act, including four counts of rape. The accused is out on bail.

February took the witness stand to give his testimony before Magistrate Mozay Jansen. In his testimony, February told the court that he knew the complainant as a friend from the neighbourhood and they exchanged cell phone numbers after meeting at a playground in May 2022.

He testified that on 15 July 2022, he met the complainant again after playing soccer and they had a conversation in Arabas Street, during which they both spoke about being in a relationship.

“I told her about my baby mama and she told me about her boyfriend John, after we were done, I showed her where I live,” said February.

He added that after they talked the complainant asked for his number and they exchange pictures. He also mentioned that they started communicating through their phones.

February said later he ended communication with her after his wife saw his conversations with the complainant. He said he informed her that his wife is angry and it needed to come to end and she said she understands.

February denied having unprotected sex with the complainant, as alleged by the state.

The accused said he never slept with the complainant, he further claimed that when the victim testified, she told lies.

According to February, the complainant arrived at his home in his room at around 04H30 in the morning. He said he told the complainant that if her parents sees him with her, they would be mad at him, and he offered to take her home.

“I told her to take her home, and she asked my phone to call her cousin to open for her, after I dropped her home and I went back home to go to work,” said February.

February told the court that while he was at work he received a call from a complainant’s aunt asking him his name and where he stayed and after he said everything, she hung up.

Moreover, he also said he was called to report himself to the police. He said he was interrogated and informed that a case had been opened against him and that his DNA would be taken.

Under cross-examination by the prosecutor Loretha Muvangua, the State put it to the accused that the complainant testified in the court that she was 10 years old at that time he raped her.

The prosecutor further said the accused was the one who had unprotected sex with her which resulted in her falling pregnant and that he had sexually violated her.

February denied all the allegations, adding they destroyed his relationship and put him in depression. The case is postponed to 20 October 2026 for submissions.

–kulaumonendapandula@gmail.com