Bishop John Nundwe, also known as John General and overseer of Miracle Impact International Church in Matero Township, has asked a Zambian court to acquit him of rape charges, arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove the case.
Nundwe, who was arrested on November 23, 2023, is accused of allegedly raping a woman at her Kahale home between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. while naked.
The prosecution alleges the complainant had invited him for spiritual prayers following miscarriages and fertility difficulties.
Upon arrival, the accused, accompanied by a bodyguard, is said to have inspected the house before entering a spare bedroom, where the alleged incident occurred.
During testimony, the complainant claimed that when she returned to fetch her Bible, she found the accused naked, and that his bodyguard pushed her into the room where the alleged assault took place.
However, under cross-examination, she admitted she did not see the accused’s genitalia, bathed and changed clothes before visiting a hospital, destroyed the clothes she was allegedly wearing, did not scream or attempt to flee, and did not inform her husband prior to the visit.
She also acknowledged attending a meeting at the accused’s lawyers’ offices but could not recall claiming K800,000 to withdraw the case.
Read More: Why Bishop John General missed court in rape trial —Surety
Nundwe’s lawyers argued that the prosecution’s case contained “fatal gaps.” They said the prosecution had failed to prove penetration and lack of consent beyond a reasonable doubt and cited legal precedents including Mwewa Murono v The People (2004) ZR 207, Emmanuel Phiri v The People (1978) ZR 79, and Chisepo v The People.
The defence highlighted medical evidence that allegedly showed no penetration and pointed out the absence of injuries on the accused, arguing there was no forensic support and that the prosecution relied on speculation.
“Across all witnesses, there is absence of forensic support, reliance on speculation and no corroboration. The prosecution has not made out a case sufficient to place the accused on his defence. We humbly pray that this Honourable Court acquits him forthwith,” the defence submitted.
The case is ongoing, with the court yet to rule on the defence motion for acquittal.
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