Trevor Simbarashe Mbizvo, popularly known as “Hell Commander” and a well-known Zimbabwean socialite, is set to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on November 7, facing serious charges of rape and fraud. Mbizvo, a businessman often seen flaunting his luxury lifestyle on social media, is accused of forging an HIV certificate to deceive his South African girlfriend, Laisy Ramokone, about his HIV status, thereby exposing her to the virus during unprotected sexual intercourse.
Mbizvo, widely recognized on social media for his extravagant collection of high-end vehicles, including a G-Wagon, Lamborghini, and Rolls Royce, allegedly attempted to use his influence to have the charges against him dismissed. He submitted representations to South Africa’s National Director of Public Prosecution (NDPP), seeking to have the matter struck off the court roll. However, the NDPP, after reviewing his submission, decided to proceed with prosecution, indicating the severity of the allegations.
The details of the case have gained public attention through an excerpt from Ramokone’s upcoming autobiography, Love, Ego, and Hitman, where she shares her account of her relationship with Mbizvo and the alleged incident.
Allegations Against Mbizvo
According to Ramokone, a mother of two, she and Mbizvo had initially agreed to both undergo HIV testing before engaging in unprotected sexual activity. While she tested negative, she claims Mbizvo sent her a photo of an HIV certificate showing a “non-reactive” status on January 13, 2021. However, the certificate appeared suspicious to her, as it listed outdated testing terminology and was dated only a day prior, on January 12.
Ramokone expressed doubts about the certificate’s authenticity, reaching out to a trusted doctor who confirmed that the certificate did not follow the current testing standards. Confronted with her skepticism, Mbizvo allegedly admitted to using a police officer friend to forge the certificate due to his busy schedule but convinced her to continue their planned vacation, agreeing they would complete HIV tests before arriving in Hoedspruit, Limpopo.
Events Leading to the Court Case
During their luxury getaway, Ramokone and Mbizvo reportedly avoided sexual activity until they returned to Gauteng, where she requested his test results to proceed. After a delay and multiple requests, Mbizvo allegedly assured her of his negative status, and they agreed to use protection during intercourse. Ramokone later discovered that Mbizvo had removed the protection without her consent, leading her to confront him. He allegedly reassured her by reiterating his negative HIV status, yet soon after, he cut off communication.
Following this, Ramokone started taking anti-retroviral medication to prevent potential HIV infection and filed a complaint against Mbizvo at Wierdabrug Police Station in Centurion. She alleges that after filing the report, she became the target of intimidation attempts, including a violent attack where she was shot at multiple times, sustaining injuries to her face. Ramokone also claims her phone was hacked and suspects her attackers were attempting to discourage her from pursuing the case further. Surveillance tactics, such as drones flying over her home, were also reportedly observed, further contributing to her sense of threat.
Legal Ramifications and Broader Implications
The charges Mbizvo faces — rape and fraud — carry serious legal consequences in South Africa. The charge of rape is based on allegations of sexual intercourse without full consent, as removing protection without a partner’s knowledge or consent, commonly referred to as “stealthing,” is increasingly recognized as a violation. Fraud charges stem from his alleged forgery of the HIV certificate, a significant misrepresentation that, if proven, constitutes both a legal and moral offense.
This case underscores the growing awareness and legal action surrounding “stealthing,” which is considered a violation of sexual consent in many jurisdictions. Additionally, it highlights the importance of honest disclosure of health status, especially with life-threatening conditions like HIV. South Africa’s courts have demonstrated an increasing willingness to treat cases of deliberate HIV exposure as criminal acts, signaling to the public that reckless or deceitful behavior around one’s health status will not be tolerated.
Public and Media Interest
The case has captured widespread media attention due to Mbizvo’s high profile and his social media presence, where he portrays a lavish lifestyle. The revelations in Ramokone’s memoir have added to the intrigue, painting a disturbing picture of alleged deception, recklessness, and the challenges she faced in seeking justice. The upcoming trial may serve as a legal and societal benchmark in addressing similar issues in South Africa and Zimbabwe, where HIV remains a significant public health concern.
Ramokone’s case also draws attention to the dangers that individuals, particularly women, face when intimate relationships are abused as avenues of control, deception, or harm. The alleged intimidation and violence following her complaint further illustrate the challenges survivors may encounter when seeking justice.
As the case against Trevor Simbarashe Mbizvo proceeds in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, its outcome could have substantial implications for legal standards surrounding consent, health disclosure, and accountability in relationships. It underscores the importance of respecting partners’ consent and health and reinforces the need for strong legal protections against deceit in intimate relationships. The November 7 hearing will likely attract significant public and media attention, with many watching closely to see how the South African legal system addresses these pressing issues.– Agencies