A high-ranking Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) officer based in Gweru, Makopa Manyadze (45), has found himself in serious trouble after being accused of raping his girlfriend’s 20-year-old maid. The allegations have landed him in custody, and he spent the weekend behind bars awaiting a bail hearing.
Manyadze, who is believed to hold the position of Deputy District Intelligent Officer and is reportedly new to Gweru, appeared before Gweru Regional Magistrate, Christopher Maturure. He was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2025.
While Manyadze has since been granted bail of US$200, the case has drawn significant public attention, given his position within the country’s intelligence service and the serious nature of the charges against him. Rights advocates have urged authorities to ensure a fair and transparent judicial process.
According to court documents, the alleged incident transpired on the morning of Monday, June 23, 2025. It is reported that at around 7:00 AM, Manyadze made a phone call to the complainant (name withheld to protect the victim), who was engaged in household chores. The 20-year-old maid reportedly informed him that her employer, Manyadze’s girlfriend, was not at home and there was no reason for him to visit.
Despite this, at approximately 10:00 AM, the accused allegedly proceeded to the complainant’s residence in his vehicle while other siblings had gone to school. The court heard that the complainant opened the gate, and Manyadze entered, proceeding directly to the house. As the complainant closed the gate, the accused allegedly remained at the door and instructed her to enter the house.
He then entered the kitchen and sat on a bed within the room, allegedly asking the young woman to draw closer to him, which she refused. It is further alleged that Manyadze then forcibly grabbed the complainant by the waist, fondled her breasts, and threw her onto the bed.
The state alleges that upon entering the house, Manyadze ordered the complainant to come closer to him. When she refused, he allegedly grabbed her by the waist and fondled her breasts.
The court heard that Manyadze allegedly threw the complainant onto a bed, where he continued fondling her despite resistance. He then allegedly forcibly undressed and had unprotected sexual intercourse with her once without her consent.
After the alleged act, Manyadze instructed the complainant to dress up and open the gate for him, which she complied with.
The matter was later reported to the police by the complainant’s mother, after the complainant informed her twin sister, who is based in Bulawayo, about the assault.
During his initial court appearance, Manyadze was not asked to plead. He was initially remanded in custody pending the court’s ruling on his bail application.
Magistrate Maturure granted bail, stating that although the charges were serious, the State had failed to demonstrate why Manyadze was not a suitable candidate for bail.
“Bail is a constitutional right that can be granted even in serious cases, provided strict conditions are imposed,” Maturure said.
As part of his bail conditions, Manyadze was ordered to reside at his listed Gweru address and to avoid any contact with witnesses. His trial date has been set for July 22, 2025.
The court did not disclose the nature of the relationship, if any, between the accused and the complainant, aside from the fact that she was employed as a maid in his girlfriend’s household.
The case continues to unfold, and the people of Gweru and Zimbabwe at large will be watching closely to see that justice is served.
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