Zimbabweans remain sharply divided after Musa Nyasha Dube Manyika, former Old Mutual Business Development Manager was jailed for 15 years for raping a University of Zimbabwe intern. The verdict has sparked heated debates across social media, religious platforms, and public forums.
Local preacher Apostle Alistar Chibanda drew immediate attention after pledging to pray for Manyika, stating:
“Uyu I’m praying for him even though ndisingamuzive hangu, uye handisati ndakambomuona or kutaura naye. But ndiri kutokwira gomo kuno munamatira abude jeri uyu because according to me, this guy haana kubata chibharo, anofana akanyima musikana mari chete.”
His post triggered a wave of responses. Some social media users defended the preacher’s stance, suggesting the sentence may be harsh or that the incident was “a relationship gone wrong,” while others condemned any attempt to rationalise the crime:
“Mushonga haunamiri pasina chironda. He took advantage of a vulnerable girl.”
“Power imbalance. Men must avoid situations like this. Even if a woman turns the story upside down, a man will still lose because of that power imbalance. Be careful!”
“Consent requires freedom. There is no consent where one person controls another’s scholarship, job, or opportunities.”
Academics and legal commentators also weighed in. Zimbabwean investment banker Maud Chifamba wrote:
“Uchatoona vamwe, ma lawyer epano ne ma magistrate epa Social Media achiuya kuzo defender, feeling sorry for this man; rationalizing; regardless of this man being convicted in a full trial. To those men defending this BS… muchabatwa ende munotevera Musa. And we will call you by your name, RAPISTS.”
“Shoutout to this girl for speaking out; setting an example and showing all those predators out there kuti there are consequences. Hoping anyone who ever faces the same situation gets the same courage to speak; and that Old Mutual and similar well-meaning companies put controls in place to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
The online debate highlights deeper societal divisions over gender, consent, and power. Some argue for empathy and rehabilitation, while others insist on justice and zero tolerance for abuse of authority. The case has reignited conversations about workplace ethics, student protection, and corporate accountability in Zimbabwe.
For many, the sentencing is a clear message that abuse of power, particularly against young and vulnerable individuals, will no longer be tolerated. Yet, the polarized reactions reveal lingering challenges in public perception and societal understanding of consent and exploitation.
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