RUTENDO CHIRUME
MASVINGO-The Charumbira family is in a dilemma on how to approach their son in law following the alleged shameful act by Chiefs Council boss and Pan African Parliament president, Chief Fortune Charumbira where he indecently assaulted his niece.
Close sources told The Midweek Watch that the family is in a quandary as they try to find acceptable ways to approach their son in law whom they feel has to be compensated in order to appease him.
In an effort to placate the situation, Chief Charumbira allegedly sent some emissaries to his young brother last week to negotiate with him on the best way forward as a family without the involvement of courts.
One of the father’s kinsmen told The Midweek Watch that their main worry was how they were going to approach their daughter’s husband considering that Chief Charumbira is also a father to the victim.
“There were three men who approached us around 1am on Friday and its shocking to us as to why they would come around such an odd hour. That is why we made this audio. They had come of course so we had to attend to them. We agreed that we were going to find a solution and agreed that we should approach our in-laws and ask for forgiveness over what happened. Nothing much was further discussed because nothing much can be said without the presence of Fortune Charumbira. If he is sorry then he should have been there himself,” he said.
In an interview the father to the victim confirmed the three men’s visit but declined to discuss the matter further.
The other brother to the father of the indecent assault said it is difficult for them to forgive Chief Charumbira since they are not directly the aggrieved party although they are willing to listen to him.
“An abomination was committed, even the President is now aware of the issue that is why we are here so that we can resolve this issue before it is blown out of proportion. We want what is best for the family. This is not an easy matter and we should handle it with care,” he said.
On April 15 the woman in question went to report an indecent assault case against Chief Charumbira at Masvingo Central, but the matter is being investigated by Harare Police since he allegedly committed the offence in the capital.
The niece, a teacher at one of the top schools in Masvingo Province alleges that Chief Charumbira kissed, fondled her breasts and touched her privates without her consent on March 31 in Harare at a top hotel.
Efforts to get a comment from the Chief Charumbira were futile as he was said to be out of the country on PAP business.
The chiefs strongman has also been reported again at Masvingo Central Police for sending threatening messages on his niece’s phone.
National Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi has promised to issue a full statement regarding the matter, but has not done so half a month after the case was reported.
