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Wimbainashe Zhakata Mutare Correspondent
A 22-year-old Dangamvura woman has been convicted of laying false rape charges against her boyfriend in fear of facing her parents’ wrath. Erica Muungani, was convicted on her own plea of guilty when she appeared before Mutare magistrate Ms Perseverance Makala.

She was charged with violating Section 184(1) (f) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, which criminalises the deliberate supply of false information to police.

Prosecutor Mr Fletcher Karombe said on January 20, 2018, Muungani falsely reported at Dangamvura Police Station that Malvin Chuma (25) had tried to rape her.

Muungani admitted in court that she had lied to police to save face with her parents.
“I admit that I lied to the police that I was raped, but I love my boyfriend. I lied because I was afraid that my parents would assault me for spending time with him,” she said.

On realising the magnitude of her accusations, Muungani approached police at Dangamvura with an affidavit stating that she had fabricated the case, leading to her arrest.
Magistrate Makala ordered Muungani to pay $40 fine or spend 20 days in prison.