DJ Ribhe Secures Bail Amidst Controversial Allegations

Tafadzwa Mandaza, widely recognized as DJ Ribhe of Chillspot Records, was granted US$100 bail by the High Court after facing allegations of drugging and raping a 14-year-old girl.

The bail decision followed the revelation of conflicting statements by the complainant. Her first account omitted any claims of rape, but a subsequent statement alleged her drink had been spiked and she had been assaulted.

Justice Regis Dembure, who presided over the hearing, noted the State’s agreement to the bail application. This concession, supported by the defense team, was pivotal to the ruling.

DJ Ribhe provided an alternative residence in Glen View, which the court considered favorable in minimizing risks associated with his release. The judge emphasized the importance of compliance with all set conditions.

The court required the music producer to report weekly to the police. He was also ordered not to interfere with witnesses, highlighting the severity of the charges against him.

Represented by Advocate Sylvester Hashiti and Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners, DJ Ribhe’s defense underscored inconsistencies in the complainant’s statements as a significant factor in the bail decision.

The accusations stem from an incident at Mashwede Village, where the victim claimed she was manipulated into consuming unknown substances before being taken to the producer’s home.

Prosecutors allege the teenager smoked shisha and ingested an unknown substance, which incapacitated her. She later woke up to discover she had been assaulted.

The complainant reportedly missed two days of school after the incident, adding to the troubling details that have drawn public scrutiny to the case.

DJ Ribhe, a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s music industry, was arrested on November 6, spending four weeks in remand prison before his release.

The High Court’s decision to grant bail comes with strict conditions aimed at balancing the rights of the accused while ensuring justice for the victim.

As the case moves forward, it continues to spark public debate, with many questioning the conflicting narratives surrounding the allegations.

This development has raised critical concerns regarding the responsibilities of high-profile individuals in safeguarding minors and maintaining ethical standards.

For now, DJ Ribhe’s future remains uncertain as legal proceedings unfold. The case is being closely monitored for its potential implications within Zimbabwe’s judicial and social landscape.