Two Men Face Sodomy Charges After Relationship Exposed
Two men have appeared in the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing sodomy charges stemming from their same-sex relationship.
Tavimbanashe Chawatama, 28, and Leonard Nyakudya, 25, reportedly lived together and engaged in consensual same-sex relations, during which they allegedly recorded their encounters on mobile phones.
The case came to light when a dispute over stolen money led to police involvement.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the relationship began in August 2023, and the men were living together when tensions arose.
On August 27, 2024, an argument erupted between the two as Chawatama accused Nyakudya of infidelity. The disagreement escalated, prompting Nyakudya to decide to move out.
During this process, Chawatama discovered that money was missing, leading both men to seek police assistance to resolve the issue.
While explaining the circumstances surrounding the missing money to the police, the men inadvertently provided details about their relationship, resulting in their arrest for sodomy.
Both Chawatama and Nyakudya were granted bail set at US$50 each. Their case has been remanded until September 6, 2024, as they await further proceedings.
The incident highlights ongoing societal challenges related to same-sex relationships in Zimbabwe, where such matters remain deeply stigmatized.
