By A Correspondent| A 29-year-old businessman from Harare, Innocent Mangwendeza, is set to appear in court on March 26 after being accused of sexually assaulting a former employee while allegedly holding her hostage for months.

Mangwendeza, who operates Tiwies Hardware, was reported to the police by the alleged victim, leading to the case being handled by the Family Support Unit at Chinamhora Police Station in Domboshava under reference RRB6286558.

According to the complainant, she was employed as a cashier at Mangwendeza’s business. Since she was new to Harare and had been recommended for the job by the accused’s older brother, she initially stayed at Mangwendeza’s residence.

The alleged victim stated that two days after her arrival from Victoria Falls, Mangwendeza traveled to the United Kingdom for a 10-day visit. Upon his return, she claims the abuse began, alleging that he would force himself on her at night, often after returning home intoxicated.

Feeling isolated and with no one to turn to, she endured the ordeal in silence until January this year when she confided in the person who had secured her the job. A confrontation ensued between that person and Mangwendeza, after which a police report was filed.

The case was initially reviewed by prosecutors in Domboshava before being referred to Harare. On March 12, during a hearing at the Rotten Row Magistrates’ Court, it was determined that the matter would proceed to a full trial on March 26.