Three women cleared of rape
Source: Agencies |
May 4, 2012, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
PROSECUTORS in Zimbabwe said yesterday they have dropped charges against three women accused of raping men to collect their semen for tribal rituals after DNA tests failed to link them to 17 men who claimed they were victims.
Prosecutors said yesterday that DNA evidence cleared the women, who will now face prostitution charges.
The women and a male companion were arrested in November in the provincial city of Gweru on charges of "aggravated indecent assault" amid allegations they lured men into a car and forced them to have sex at gunpoint, knifepoint or using drugged drinks to collect semen for tribal rituals. Police said 31 condoms containing semen were found in the car.
In a case that has fascinated the African nation, the women denied the allegations, saying they had sex for money and didn't throw out the condoms. Prostitution is rife in Zimbabwe after years of economic meltdown and soaring unemployment.
Sophie, 26, and Netsai Nhokwara, 24, who are sisters, and Rosemary Chakwizira, 28, had faced lengthy prison sentences on the charges of aggravated sexual assault, equivalent to the penalty for rape committed by men. Soliciting and prostitution charges carry a small fine.
Prosecutors said yesterday that DNA evidence cleared the women, who will now face prostitution charges.
The women and a male companion were arrested in November in the provincial city of Gweru on charges of "aggravated indecent assault" amid allegations they lured men into a car and forced them to have sex at gunpoint, knifepoint or using drugged drinks to collect semen for tribal rituals. Police said 31 condoms containing semen were found in the car.
In a case that has fascinated the African nation, the women denied the allegations, saying they had sex for money and didn't throw out the condoms. Prostitution is rife in Zimbabwe after years of economic meltdown and soaring unemployment.
Sophie, 26, and Netsai Nhokwara, 24, who are sisters, and Rosemary Chakwizira, 28, had faced lengthy prison sentences on the charges of aggravated sexual assault, equivalent to the penalty for rape committed by men. Soliciting and prostitution charges carry a small fine.
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